Players like Unai López
CM/CDMRayo Vallecano · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitUnai López's profile ↗
The players most similar to Unai López are Niklas Schmidt, Adem Zorgane, Edu Expósito. Doppel rates Niklas Schmidt (Toulouse) a 83/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Niklas Schmidt scores 83/100 at about €1.6m. Data as of October 2026.
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Unai López is a possession-oriented deep-lying playmaker, excelling in controlling the game from midfield. His elite ability to win possession in the attacking third and deliver accurate long balls showcases his playmaking prowess, while his durability is a significant asset, having missed no games in the last three seasons. Although he offers limited defensive clearances, his strengths make him a reliable orchestrator for Rayo Vallecano, even if his overall performance ranks in the lower tier of his positional peers.
Strengths: Possession won in att. third, Accurate long balls, Touches. Availability: no injuries recorded in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Unai López
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niklas Schmidtsimilar↗ | Toulouse | 28 | €1.6m | 93 | 83 |
| 2 | Adem Zorganesimilar↗ | Royale Union Saint-Gilloise | 26 | €13m | 92 | 83 |
| 3 | Edu Expósitosimilar↗ | Espanyol | 30 | €4.5m | 92 | 86 |
| 4 | Rocco Reitzsimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 24 | €22m | 91 | 82 |
| 5 | Henrikh Mkhitaryansimilar↗ | Inter | 37 | €2.9m | 91 | 82 |
| 6 | Lucas Da Cunhasimilar↗ | Como | 25 | €18m | 91 | 85 |
| 7 | Adam Whartonsimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 22 | €74m | 91 | 83 |
| 8 | Joey Veermansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 28 | €26m | 90 | 83 |
| 9 | Bruno Fernandessimilar↗ | Manchester United | 32 | €32m | 90 | 82 |
| 10 | Mattias Svanbergsimilar↗ | VfL Wolfsburg | 27 | €8.3m | 90 | 83 |
| 11 | Valentín Barcosimilar↗ | RC Strasbourg | 22 | €44m | 90 | 83 |
| 12 | Mathias Jensensimilar↗ | Brentford | 30 | €10m | 90 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Unai López
≈ 100% Unai López · strong: Accurate long balls, Accurate crosses · medium reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90
≈ 100% Unai López · strong: Accurate long balls, Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Sofascore rating, Accurate final-third passes /90
≈ 100% Unai López · strong: Key passes, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Key passes /90, Accurate crosses /90, Big chances created /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Unai López?
Statistically, Niklas Schmidt (Toulouse) is the closest look-alike to Unai López — a 83/100 profile match (93/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Unai López?
By Doppel's fit score, Niklas Schmidt (Toulouse) is the closest profile to Unai López, with a 83/100 overall match. Adem Zorgane and Edu Expósito are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Unai López?
Yes. Niklas Schmidt (Toulouse) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 83/100 at roughly €1.6m.
How does Doppel find players similar to Unai López?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Unai López'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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