Players like Zé Rafael
CM/CDMSantos · 2025 · ranked by tactical + market fitZé Rafael's profile ↗
The players most similar to Zé Rafael are Daniel Requena, Noah Mbamba, Jandro Orellana. Doppel rates Daniel Requena (Levante UD) a 85/100 overall match — 95/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Frederik Schmahl scores 84/100 at about €800k. Data as of October 2026.
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Zé Rafael is a tenacious defensive midfielder, showcasing his strength in duels with a top 15% ranking among his peers. While he contributes less in attacking metrics, his ability to disrupt opposition play and maintain possession is invaluable. However, his injury history has limited his availability, making durability a concern. Overall, he stands out as a reliable presence in the midfield, adept at breaking up play, even if he carries some risk in fitness.
Strengths: Duels won. Availability: 41 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Zé Rafael
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Requenasimilar↗ | Levante UD | 22 | €1.0m | 95 | 85 |
| 2 | Noah Mbambasimilar↗ | Lorient | 21 | €1.8m | 92 | 82 |
| 3 | Jandro Orellanasimilar↗ | Estoril Praia | 26 | €1.0m | 92 | 81 |
| 4 | Lawrence Agyekumsimilar↗ | Cercle Brugge | 23 | €1.4m | 91 | 81 |
| 5 | Nathan-Dylan Salibasimilar↗ | Villarreal | 22 | €9.2m | 90 | 80 |
| 6 | Abdoulaye Tourésimilar↗ | Le Havre | 32 | €2.4m | 90 | 83 |
| 7 | Frederik Schmahlsimilar↗ | SV 07 Elversberg | 24 | €800k | 89 | 84 |
| 8 | Mathias De Amorimsimilar↗ | Famalicão | 22 | €9.7m | 89 | 81 |
| 9 | Nordin Bukalasimilar↗ | FC Volendam | 21 | €600k | 89 | 80 |
| 10 | Beñat Gerenabarrenasimilar↗ | Athletic Club | 23 | €1.0m | 89 | 80 |
| 11 | Manolo Portanovasimilar↗ | Reggiana | 26 | €200k | 88 | 85 |
| 12 | Marvin Mehlemsimilar↗ | Arminia Bielefeld | 29 | €800k | 88 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Zé Rafael
≈ 100% Zé Rafael · strong: Aerial duels won, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90, Aerial duels won %
≈ 100% Zé Rafael · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Duels won /90, Successful dribbles /90
≈ 100% Zé Rafael · strong: Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Zé Rafael?
Statistically, Daniel Requena (Levante UD) is the closest look-alike to Zé Rafael — a 85/100 profile match (95/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Zé Rafael?
By Doppel's fit score, Daniel Requena (Levante UD) is the closest profile to Zé Rafael, with a 85/100 overall match. Noah Mbamba and Jandro Orellana are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Zé Rafael?
Yes. Frederik Schmahl (SV 07 Elversberg) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 84/100 at roughly €800k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Zé Rafael?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Zé Rafael'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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