Players like Nicolás de la Cruz
CM/CDM/CAMFlamengo · 2025 · ranked by tactical + market fitNicolás de la Cruz's profile ↗
Nicolás de la Cruz is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A, with 19 appearances in 2025. Players similar to de la Cruz include Pepelu from Valencia, who has a fit score of 83/100, and Jakub Kałuziński of Antalyaspor, with a fit score of 80/100. Both offer comparable roles and statistical profiles, making them suitable alternatives for teams seeking midfield depth.
About Nicolás de la Cruz
Nicolás de la Cruz is a dynamic central midfielder who excels in aerial duels and orchestrating play from deep. His top 25% Sofascore rating underscores his quality, showcasing strengths in accurate final-third passing and touches per game, making him a reliable asset in maintaining possession and transitioning the attack. While he has faced some injury challenges, his ability to win headers and deliver precise long balls solidifies his role as a crucial midfield anchor for Flamengo.
Strengths: Aerial duels won %, Accurate final-third passes, Touches. Availability: 51 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Nicolás de la Cruz
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jakub Kałuzińskisimilar↗ | Antalyaspor | 24 | €2.3m | 91 | 80 |
| 2 | Pepelusimilar↗ | Valencia | 28 | €7.3m | 91 | 83 |
| 3 | Nicolas Madsensimilar↗ | Queens Park Rangers | 26 | €5.2m | 90 | 79 |
| 4 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | Hakan Çalhanoğlusimilar↗ | Inter | 32 | €17m | 89 | 82 |
| 6 | Mika Baursimilar↗ | SC Paderborn 07 | 22 | €4.7m | 87 | 79 |
| 7 | Doğucan Haspolatsimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 26 | €5.2m | 87 | 79 |
| 8 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 87 | 81 |
| 9 | Kartal Kayra Yılmazsimilar↗ | Kayserispor | 26 | €2.4m | 87 | 79 |
| 10 | Enzo Fernándezsimilar↗ | Chelsea | 25 | €87m | 87 | 80 |
| 11 | Mathis Servaissimilar↗ | KV Mechelen | 22 | €3.8m | 87 | 79 |
| 12 | Lewis Fergusonsimilar↗ | Bologna | 27 | €13m | 87 | 78 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Nicolás de la Cruz
≈ 100% Nicolás de la Cruz · strong: Accurate crosses, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Accurate long balls /90, Key passes /90
≈ 100% Nicolás de la Cruz · strong: Accurate long balls, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Accurate crosses /90, Touches /90
≈ 100% Nicolás de la Cruz · strong: Accurate crosses, Aerial duels won % · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate crosses /90, Aerial duels won %, Sofascore rating
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Nicolás de la Cruz?
By Doppel's fit score, Jakub Kałuziński (Antalyaspor) is the closest profile to Nicolás de la Cruz, with a 80/100 overall match. Pepelu and Nicolas Madsen are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Nicolás de la Cruz?
Yes. Jakub Kałuziński (Antalyaspor) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 80/100 at roughly €2.3m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Nicolás de la Cruz?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Nicolás de la Cruz's 2025 season, then ranks central midfielders across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they match, adjusting for league strength and market value.
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