Players like Dean James
LBGo Ahead Eagles · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitDean James's profile ↗
The players most similar to Dean James are Emanuele Valeri, Bryan Goncalves, Daniel Svensson. Doppel rates Emanuele Valeri (Parma) a 85/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Bryan Goncalves scores 82/100 at about €500k. Data as of September 2026.
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Dean James is a creative left-back known for his exceptional offensive contributions, ranking in the top 5% for big chances created and key passes among his positional peers. With a solid Sofascore rating, he stands out as a reliable playmaker on the flank, combining accurate crossing with a knack for goal involvement. While his defensive metrics may not shine, his durability and consistent presence on the pitch make him a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their attacking width.
Strengths: Big chances created, Key passes, xG + xA. Availability: 13 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Dean James
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emanuele Valerisimilar↗ | Parma | 28 | €2.9m | 93 | 85 |
| 2 | Bryan Goncalvessimilar↗ | FCV Dender | 30 | €500k | 92 | 82 |
| 3 | Daniel Svenssonsimilar↗ | Borussia Dortmund | 24 | €20m | 91 | 85 |
| 4 | Tobias Mohrsimilar↗ | Standard Liège | 31 | €800k | 91 | 84 |
| 5 | Ryan Gilessimilar↗ | Hull City | 26 | €11m | 91 | 84 |
| 6 | John Tolkinsimilar↗ | Holstein Kiel | 24 | €2.4m | 91 | 85 |
| 7 | Giuseppe Pezzellasimilar↗ | Empoli | 29 | €2.1m | 91 | 82 |
| 8 | Tim Handwerkersimilar↗ | Arminia Bielefeld | 28 | €600k | 90 | 86 |
| 9 | Jeff Hardeveldsimilar↗ | SC Telstar | 31 | €400k | 90 | 86 |
| 10 | Tiago Araújosimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 25 | €2.4m | 89 | 85 |
| 11 | Sergi Cardonasimilar↗ | Villarreal | 27 | €8.6m | 89 | 85 |
| 12 | Hugo Buenosimilar↗ | Wolverhampton | 24 | €13m | 89 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Dean James
≈ 100% Dean James · strong: Big chances created, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Big chances created /90, Key passes /90, Shots /90
≈ 100% Dean James · strong: Accurate long balls, Big chances created · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Big chances created /90, Clearances /90
≈ 100% Dean James · strong: xG + xA, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: xG + xA /90, Accurate crosses /90, Possession won in att. third /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Dean James?
By Doppel's fit score, Emanuele Valeri (Parma) is the closest profile to Dean James, with a 85/100 overall match. Bryan Goncalves and Daniel Svensson are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Dean James?
Yes. Bryan Goncalves (FCV Dender) plays a similar left back role and rates 82/100 at roughly €500k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Dean James?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Dean James's 2025/26 season, then ranks left backs across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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