Players like Markus Karlsson
CM/CDMHammarby IF · 2026 · ranked by tactical + market fitMarkus Karlsson's profile ↗
The players most similar to Markus Karlsson are Sergio Ortuño, Max Bird, Luke Cundle. Doppel rates Sergio Ortuño (CD Eldense) a 80/100 overall match — 92/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Daniel Johnson scores 80/100 at about €300k. Data as of September 2026.
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Markus Karlsson is a top-tier ball-playing central midfielder, showcasing elite quality with a Sofascore rating in the top 9% of his peers. His ability to deliver accurate final-third passes makes him a pivotal playmaker, capable of unlocking defenses. Remarkably durable, he has missed no games in the last three seasons, underscoring his reliability on the pitch. While he may not excel in aerial duels, his strengths firmly position him as a key orchestrator in midfield.
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Accurate final-third passes. Availability: no injuries recorded in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Markus Karlsson
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sergio Ortuñosimilar↗ | CD Eldense | 27 | €1.0m | 92 | 80 |
| 2 | Max Birdsimilar↗ | Bristol City | 26 | €2.4m | 88 | 84 |
| 3 | Luke Cundlesimilar↗ | Stoke City | 24 | €2.9m | 88 | 81 |
| 4 | Tygo Landsimilar↗ | FC Groningen | 20 | €2.3m | 88 | 82 |
| 5 | Daniel Johnsonsimilar↗ | Stoke City | 34 | €300k | 86 | 80 |
| 6 | Rihito Yamamotosimilar↗ | Sint-Truidense VV | 25 | €7.4m | 86 | 81 |
| 7 | Gianluca Busiosimilar↗ | Venezia | 24 | €7.3m | 86 | 82 |
| 8 | Kartal Kayra Yılmazsimilar↗ | Kayserispor | 26 | €2.4m | 86 | 80 |
| 9 | Roman Kvetsimilar↗ | FCV Dender | 29 | €1.2m | 86 | 80 |
| 10 | Mika Baursimilar↗ | SC Paderborn 07 | 22 | €4.7m | 85 | 79 |
| 11 | Serginhosimilar↗ | Santa Clara | 27 | €2.8m | 85 | 80 |
| 12 | Kenneth Taylorsimilar↗ | AFC Ajax | 24 | €26m | 85 | 80 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Markus Karlsson
≈ 100% Markus Karlsson · strong: Accurate final-third passes, Sofascore rating · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate final-third passes /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Markus Karlsson · strong: Sofascore rating, Key passes · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Key passes /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Markus Karlsson · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Key passes /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Markus Karlsson?
By Doppel's fit score, Sergio Ortuño (CD Eldense) is the closest profile to Markus Karlsson, with a 80/100 overall match. Max Bird and Luke Cundle are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Markus Karlsson?
Yes. Daniel Johnson (Stoke City) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 80/100 at roughly €300k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Markus Karlsson?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Markus Karlsson's 2026 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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