Players like Thomas Claes
CM/CDM/CAMSV Zulte Waregem · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitThomas Claes's profile ↗
The players most similar to Thomas Claes are Thomas Van den Keybus, Alfie Devine, Gianluca Busio. Doppel rates Thomas Van den Keybus (KVC Westerlo) a 82/100 overall match — 93/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Thomas Van den Keybus scores 82/100 at about €700k. Data as of October 2026.
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Thomas Claes is a composed deep-lying playmaker, demonstrating a knack for precise distribution with his accurate crosses and long balls, ranking in the top 23% and 27% respectively among his peers. Despite a Sofascore rating that places him in the bottom 46%, his durability stands out, having missed only five games in three seasons, which speaks to his reliability. While he may need to improve his duels and chance creation, his passing ability can be a pivotal asset to any midfield.
Strengths: Accurate crosses, Accurate long balls. Availability: 5 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Thomas Claes
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas Van den Keybussimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 25 | €700k | 93 | 82 |
| 2 | Alfie Devinesimilar↗ | Preston North End | 22 | €8.2m | 90 | 84 |
| 3 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 90 | 83 |
| 4 | Ivan Ilićsimilar↗ | Lecce | 25 | €6.8m | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | Imrân Louzasimilar↗ | Watford | 27 | €13m | 89 | 81 |
| 6 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 89 | 82 |
| 7 | Samusimilar↗ | Vitória SC | 30 | €2.4m | 89 | 83 |
| 8 | Nuno Santossimilar↗ | Vitória SC | 27 | €2.7m | 88 | 83 |
| 9 | Lance Duijvestijnsimilar↗ | Fortuna Sittard | 27 | €700k | 88 | 82 |
| 10 | Christopher Scottsimilar↗ | Royal Antwerp FC | 24 | €2.1m | 88 | 82 |
| 11 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | Hertha BSC | 26 | €800k | 88 | 84 |
| 12 | Görkem Sağlamsimilar↗ | Kayserispor | 28 | €800k | 87 | 82 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Thomas Claes
≈ 100% Thomas Claes · medium reliability
≈ 100% Thomas Claes · strong: Shots, Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Shots /90, Sofascore rating, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Thomas Claes · strong: Sofascore rating, Aerial duels won % · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Aerial duels won %, Accurate final-third passes /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Thomas Claes?
Statistically, Thomas Van den Keybus (KVC Westerlo) is the closest look-alike to Thomas Claes — a 82/100 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 Thomas Claes?
By Doppel's fit score, Thomas Van den Keybus (KVC Westerlo) is the closest profile to Thomas Claes, with a 82/100 overall match. Alfie Devine and Gianluca Busio are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Thomas Claes?
Yes. Thomas Van den Keybus (KVC Westerlo) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 82/100 at roughly €700k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Thomas Claes?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Thomas Claes'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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