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, Eric Ebimbe. 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 October 2026.
Building your XI? Put Mikel Merino in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →About Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, excelling in both defensive duels and aerial contests, making him a force in the middle of the park. With a Sofascore rating placing him in the top 8% of his peers, he showcases his ability to win possession high up the pitch and contribute offensively with 5 goals this season. While his injury history raises concerns about availability, when fit, he is a reliable engine who drives play and supports both defense and attack effectively.
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 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | FC Schalke 04 | 26 | €6.5m | 92 | 86 |
| 4 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 24 | €27m | 92 | 84 |
| 5 | Jae-sung Leesimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 34 | €2.1m | 92 | 84 |
| 6 | Nikolas Narteysimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 26 | €10m | 91 | 83 |
| 7 | Diego Gómezsimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 23 | €27m | 91 | 83 |
| 8 | Johan Manzambisimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 21 | €54m | 91 | 83 |
| 9 | Lorenzo Pellegrinisimilar↗ | AS Roma | 30 | €8.4m | 90 | 82 |
| 10 | Christoph Baumgartnersimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 27 | €42m | 90 | 83 |
| 11 | Jens Stagesimilar↗ | SV Werder Bremen | 30 | €14m | 90 | 82 |
| 12 | Filip Krastevsimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 25 | €2.9m | 90 | 85 |
* 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, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Shots /90, Touches /90
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Successful dribbles, Shots · medium reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Shots /90, Possession won in att. third /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Mikel Merino?
Statistically, Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyonnais) is the closest look-alike to Mikel Merino — a 84/100 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 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 Eric Ebimbe 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.
Want the full, budget-aware shortlist with heatmaps and your own filters?
Run your own search on Doppel →