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 September 2026.
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Thomas Claes is a ball-playing central midfielder, showcasing his ability to dictate play with accurate crosses and long balls, ranking in the top 23% and 27% of his peers, respectively. Despite a Sofascore rating in the bottom 46%, his durability stands out, having missed only five games over three seasons. While he may struggle in duels and creating big chances, his passing precision makes him a reliable option for building from the back.
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↗ | Torino | 25 | €6.8m | 89 | 82 |
| 5 | Imrân Louzasimilar↗ | Watford | 27 | €13m | 89 | 81 |
| 6 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 89 | 82 |
| 7 | Samusimilar↗ | Vizela | 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↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 26 | €800k | 88 | 84 |
| 12 | Görkem Sağlamsimilar↗ | Hatayspor | 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 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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