Players like Nathan-Dylan Saliba
CM/CDMVillarreal · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitNathan-Dylan Saliba's profile ↗
The players most similar to Nathan-Dylan Saliba are Jan Schöppner, Kristian Thorstvedt, Davy van den Berg. Doppel rates Jan Schöppner (1. FC Heidenheim) a 83/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Thomas Van den Keybus scores 83/100 at about €700k. Data as of October 2026.
Building your XI? Put Nathan-Dylan Saliba in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →About Nathan-Dylan Saliba
Nathan-Dylan Saliba is a dynamic defensive midfielder, showcasing a strong ability to disrupt opposition plays while also contributing offensively. With a Sofascore rating in the top 43% of his peers, he stands out for his impressive shot volume and solid tackling and interception numbers, indicating his dual-threat capability. His durability is notable, having missed only three games in the last three seasons, making him a reliable presence in the heart of Villarreal's midfield.
Strengths: Shots, Tackles + interceptions. Availability: 3 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Nathan-Dylan Saliba
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan Schöppnersimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 27 | €3.2m | 92 | 83 |
| 2 | Kristian Thorstvedtsimilar↗ | Sassuolo | 27 | €12m | 92 | 86 |
| 3 | Davy van den Bergsimilar↗ | FC Utrecht | 26 | €1.3m | 92 | 84 |
| 4 | Thomas Van den Keybussimilar↗ | KVC Westerlo | 25 | €700k | 92 | 83 |
| 5 | Dariusz Stalmachsimilar↗ | SV Werder Bremen | 21 | €1.6m | 91 | 85 |
| 6 | Nikola Vlašićsimilar↗ | Torino | 29 | €10m | 91 | 84 |
| 7 | Nico O'Reillysimilar↗ | Manchester City | 21 | €76m | 91 | 83 |
| 8 | Matúš Berosimilar↗ | VfL Bochum 1848 | 31 | €900k | 91 | 84 |
| 9 | Johan Manzambisimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 21 | €54m | 91 | 83 |
| 10 | Mattias Svanbergsimilar↗ | VfL Wolfsburg | 27 | €8.3m | 90 | 83 |
| 11 | Frederik Schmahlsimilar↗ | SV 07 Elversberg | 24 | €800k | 90 | 85 |
| 12 | Irakli Yegoiansimilar↗ | Excelsior | 22 | €1.7m | 90 | 85 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Nathan-Dylan Saliba
≈ 100% Nathan-Dylan Saliba · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won /90, Big chances created /90
≈ 100% Nathan-Dylan Saliba · strong: xG + xA, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: xG + xA /90, Shots /90, Non-penalty goals /90
≈ 100% Nathan-Dylan Saliba · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Sofascore rating
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Nathan-Dylan Saliba?
Statistically, Jan Schöppner (1. FC Heidenheim) is the closest look-alike to Nathan-Dylan Saliba — a 83/100 profile match (92/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Nathan-Dylan Saliba?
By Doppel's fit score, Jan Schöppner (1. FC Heidenheim) is the closest profile to Nathan-Dylan Saliba, with a 83/100 overall match. Kristian Thorstvedt and Davy van den Berg are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Nathan-Dylan Saliba?
Yes. Thomas Van den Keybus (KVC Westerlo) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 83/100 at roughly €700k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Nathan-Dylan Saliba?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Nathan-Dylan Saliba'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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