Players like Zé Rafael
CM/CDMSantos · 2025 · ranked by tactical + market fitZé Rafael's profile ↗
Zé Rafael is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Santos in the Brazilian Serie A, with 27 appearances and 1 goal in the 2025 season. Players similar to Zé Rafael include Daniel Requena from Córdoba, who has a fit score of 84/100, and Noah Mbamba from FCV Dender, with a fit score of 81/100. Both players share comparable roles and statistical profiles.
About Zé Rafael
Zé Rafael is a robust defensive midfielder known for his tenacity and ability to dominate duels, ranking in the top 15% of his peers in that category. Despite being a solid performer with a Sofascore rating in the top 27%, his creative output leaves something to be desired, as evidenced by lower metrics in key passes and big chances created. While his injury history raises concerns about durability, his experience and combative playing style make him a valuable asset in the heart of the midfield.
Strengths: Duels won, Sofascore rating. 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↗ | Córdoba | 22 | €1.0m | 95 | 85 |
| 2 | Noah Mbambasimilar↗ | FCV Dender | 21 | €1.8m | 92 | 81 |
| 3 | Jandro Orellanasimilar↗ | FC Andorra | 26 | €1.0m | 92 | 81 |
| 4 | Lawrence Agyekumsimilar↗ | Cercle Brugge | 23 | €1.4m | 91 | 81 |
| 5 | Nathan-Dylan Salibasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 22 | €6.9m | 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↗ | CD Castellón | 23 | €1.0m | 89 | 80 |
| 11 | Manolo Portanovasimilar↗ | Reggiana | 26 | €200k | 88 | 84 |
| 12 | Marvin Mehlemsimilar↗ | Darmstadt 98 | 29 | €800k | 88 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, 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 best replacement for Zé Rafael?
By Doppel's fit score, Daniel Requena (Córdoba) 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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