Players like João Palhinha
CM/CDMTottenham Hotspur · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitJoão Palhinha's profile ↗
The players most similar to João Palhinha are Samú Costa, Andrey Santos, Enric Llansana. Doppel rates Samú Costa (Mallorca) a 81/100 overall match — 95/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Giulio Maggiore scores 79/100 at about €500k. Data as of October 2026.
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João Palhinha is a dominant defensive midfielder, excelling in tackles and interceptions, making him a vital shield for the backline. With a Sofascore rating in the top 16% of his positional peers, he showcases elite defensive prowess and reliability in duels. While his offensive contributions are limited, his ability to distribute the ball accurately over long distances adds a strategic dimension to his play. Despite some injury concerns in recent seasons, his experience and resilience make him a key asset in any midfield.
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions, Duels won, Touches. Availability: 21 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to João Palhinha
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samú Costasimilar↗ | Mallorca | 26 | €15m | 95 | 81 |
| 2 | Andrey Santossimilar↗ | Manchester United | 22 | €39m | 92 | 81 |
| 3 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 25 | €2.1m | 91 | 81 |
| 4 | Pape Gueyesimilar↗ | Villarreal | 27 | €39m | 91 | 79 |
| 5 | Giulio Maggioresimilar↗ | Bari | 28 | €500k | 91 | 79 |
| 6 | Melle Meulensteensimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 27 | €2.4m | 91 | 80 |
| 7 | Yangel Herrerasimilar↗ | Real Sociedad | 28 | €5.6m | 91 | 80 |
| 8 | Darko Nejašmićsimilar↗ | NEC Nijmegen | 27 | €4.1m | 90 | 80 |
| 9 | Matías Vecinosimilar↗ | No team | 35 | €1.1m | 90 | 82 |
| 10 | Casemirosimilar↗ | Manchester United | 34 | €5.5m | 89 | 80 |
| 11 | Tomáš Součeksimilar↗ | West Ham United | 31 | €9.7m | 88 | 80 |
| 12 | Amir Richardsonsimilar↗ | Le Havre | 24 | €3.9m | 88 | 79 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match João Palhinha
≈ 100% João Palhinha · strong: Duels won, Aerial duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Aerial duels won /90, Clearances /90
≈ 100% João Palhinha · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% João Palhinha · strong: Aerial duels won, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90, Clearances /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to João Palhinha?
Statistically, Samú Costa (Mallorca) is the closest look-alike to João Palhinha — a 81/100 profile match (95/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for João Palhinha?
By Doppel's fit score, Samú Costa (Mallorca) is the closest profile to João Palhinha, with a 81/100 overall match. Andrey Santos and Enric Llansana are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to João Palhinha?
Yes. Giulio Maggiore (Bari) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 79/100 at roughly €500k.
How does Doppel find players similar to João Palhinha?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from João Palhinha'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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