Players like Ross Barkley
CM/CDM/CAMAston Villa · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitRoss Barkley's profile ↗
The players most similar to Ross Barkley are Nikolas Nartey, Bryan Mbeumo, Johan Manzambi. Doppel rates Nikolas Nartey (VfB Stuttgart) a 83/100 overall match — 94/100 on tactical profile. For a cheaper option, Kevin Sessa scores 86/100 at about €800k. Data as of October 2026.
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Ross Barkley is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for his aggressive dribbling and tenacious duel-winning ability. With a Sofascore rating in the top 14% of his positional peers, he consistently influences games, contributing 5 goals and 4 assists in 32 appearances this season. Despite a history of injuries, his ability to deliver accurate long balls and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset when fit.
Strengths: Successful dribbles, Duels won, Shots. Availability: 40 games missed in the last 3 seasons.
12 players most similar to Ross Barkley
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nikolas Narteysimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 26 | €10m | 94 | 83 |
| 2 | Bryan Mbeumosimilar↗ | Manchester United | 27 | €73m | 93 | 83 |
| 3 | Johan Manzambisimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 21 | €54m | 93 | 84 |
| 4 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 24 | €27m | 93 | 84 |
| 5 | Rodrigo Zalazarsimilar↗ | Sporting Braga | 27 | €32m | 93 | 83 |
| 6 | Nico Pazsimilar↗ | Como | 22 | €86m | 92 | 84 |
| 7 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | Hertha BSC | 26 | €800k | 92 | 86 |
| 8 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | FC Schalke 04 | 26 | €6.5m | 91 | 84 |
| 9 | Adam Hložeksimilar↗ | TSG Hoffenheim | 24 | €10m | 91 | 84 |
| 10 | Azzedine Ounahisimilar↗ | Girona FC | 26 | €10m | 91 | 83 |
| 11 | Chiedozie Ogbenesimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 29 | €3.7m | 91 | 83 |
| 12 | Facundo Buonanottesimilar↗ | Elche | 22 | €11m | 91 | 86 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Ross Barkley
≈ 100% Ross Barkley · strong: Aerial duels won, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Possession won in att. third /90, Duels won /90
≈ 100% Ross Barkley · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, xG + xA /90
≈ 100% Ross Barkley · strong: Duels won, Shots · medium reliability
Strengths: Duels won /90, Shots /90, Successful dribbles /90
FAQ
Who is the closest look-alike to Ross Barkley?
Statistically, Nikolas Nartey (VfB Stuttgart) is the closest look-alike to Ross Barkley — a 83/100 profile match (94/100 on playing style). Here "look-alike" means the most similar playing style and output, not appearance.
Who is the best replacement for Ross Barkley?
By Doppel's fit score, Nikolas Nartey (VfB Stuttgart) is the closest profile to Ross Barkley, with a 83/100 overall match. Bryan Mbeumo and Johan Manzambi are the next best fits.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Ross Barkley?
Yes. Kevin Sessa (Hertha BSC) plays a similar central midfielder role and rates 86/100 at roughly €800k.
How does Doppel find players similar to Ross Barkley?
Doppel builds a statistical role profile from Ross Barkley'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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