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Players like Ryan Merlen

CM/CAMSint-Truidense VV · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitRyan Merlen's profile ↗

The players most similar to Ryan Merlen are Teun Koopmeiners, Mario Pašalić, Florian Sotoca. Doppel rates Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) a 85/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Kevin Sessa scores 86/100 at about €800k. Data as of September 2026.

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About Ryan Merlen

Ryan Merlen is a dynamic attacking midfielder known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and vision. With elite accuracy on long balls and a knack for creating big chances, he thrives in orchestrating attacks, evidenced by his strong contributions to expected goals and assists. While he may not excel in defensive duels, his reliability on the pitch, missing only seven games in three seasons, underscores his durability and commitment to the game.

Strengths: Accurate long balls, Big chances created, xG + xA. Availability: 7 games missed in the last 3 seasons.

12 players most similar to Ryan Merlen

#PlayerClubAgeValueTacticalOverall
1Teun Koopmeinerssimilar↗Atalanta28€13m9485
2Mario Pašalićsimilar↗Atalanta31€6.2m9384
3Florian Sotocasimilar↗RC Lens36€1.3m9286
4Hakon Arnar Haraldssonsimilar↗Lille23€26m9285
5Thorgan Hazardsimilar↗RSC Anderlecht33€1.8m9185
6Florian Neuhaussimilar↗Borussia M'gladbach29€2.7m9184
7Cengiz Ündersimilar↗Beşiktaş JK29€3.8m9184
8Kevin Sessasimilar↗1. FC Heidenheim26€800k9186
9Andrej Kramarićsimilar↗TSG Hoffenheim35€2.7m9184
10Charles De Ketelaeresimilar↗Atalanta25€27m9184
11Joey Veermansimilar↗PSV Eindhoven28€26m9184
12Jonas Hofmannsimilar↗Bayer 04 Leverkusen34€1.6m9186

* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons

Why these players match Ryan Merlen

1. Teun KoopmeinersAtalanta85/100

≈ 100% Ryan Merlen · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · low reliability

Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Accurate crosses /90

2. Mario PašalićAtalanta84/100

≈ 100% Ryan Merlen · strong: xG + xA, Big chances created · medium reliability

Strengths: xG + xA /90, Big chances created /90, Aerial duels won /90

3. Florian SotocaRC Lens86/100

≈ 100% Ryan Merlen · strong: Aerial duels won, Sofascore rating · low reliability

Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Sofascore rating, Aerial duels won %

FAQ

Who is the best replacement for Ryan Merlen?

By Doppel's fit score, Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) is the closest profile to Ryan Merlen, with a 85/100 overall match. Mario Pašalić and Florian Sotoca are the next best fits.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Ryan Merlen?

Yes. Kevin Sessa (1. FC Heidenheim) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 86/100 at roughly €800k.

How does Doppel find players similar to Ryan Merlen?

Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Ryan Merlen'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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