Players like Mikel Merino
CMArsenal · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMikel Merino's profile ↗
The players most similar to Mikel Merino are Corentin Tolisso, Leon Goretzka, Rodri. Doppel rates Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyonnais) a 84/100 overall match — 95/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Jae-sung Lee scores 84/100 at about €2.1m. Data as of September 2026.
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Mikel Merino is a dynamic, combative central midfielder known for his exceptional dueling skills and aerial prowess, ranking in the top 1% for both metrics. His ability to win possession in the attacking third further highlights his aggressive playing style, making him a key asset for Arsenal. Despite a history of injuries limiting his availability, when fit, he consistently performs at a level within the top 14% of his peers, showcasing his quality and impact on the pitch.
Strengths: Duels won, Aerial duels won, Possession won in att. third. Availability: 41 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Mikel Merino
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corentin Tolissosimilar↗ | Olympique Lyonnais | 32 | €11m | 95 | 84 |
| 2 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 93 | 84 |
| 3 | Rodrisimilar↗ | Manchester City | 30 | €50m | 93 | 83 |
| 4 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | Eintracht Frankfurt | 26 | €6.5m | 92 | 87 |
| 5 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 24 | €27m | 92 | 84 |
| 6 | Jae-sung Leesimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 34 | €2.1m | 92 | 84 |
| 7 | Nikolas Narteysimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 26 | €10m | 91 | 83 |
| 8 | Diego Gómezsimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 23 | €27m | 91 | 83 |
| 9 | Johan Manzambisimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 21 | €54m | 91 | 83 |
| 10 | Lorenzo Pellegrinisimilar↗ | AS Roma | 30 | €8.4m | 90 | 82 |
| 11 | Christoph Baumgartnersimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 27 | €42m | 90 | 83 |
| 12 | Jens Stagesimilar↗ | SV Werder Bremen | 30 | €14m | 90 | 82 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Mikel Merino
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Possession won in att. third, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Possession won in att. third /90, Non-penalty goals /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Sofascore rating, Touches · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Touches /90, Shots /90
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Touches, Accurate final-third passes · low reliability
Strengths: Touches /90, Accurate final-third passes /90, Accurate long balls /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Mikel Merino?
By Doppel's fit score, Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyonnais) is the closest profile to Mikel Merino, with a 84/100 overall match. Leon Goretzka and Rodri are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Mikel Merino?
Yes. Jae-sung Lee (1. FSV Mainz 05) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 84/100 at roughly €2.1m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Mikel Merino?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Mikel Merino's 2025/26 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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