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 September 2026.
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Ross Barkley is a dynamic central midfielder known for his dribbling prowess and tenacity in duels, making him a key presence in both attack and defense. With a Sofascore rating in the top 17% of his positional peers, he excels in successful dribbles, shots, and accurate long balls, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. While his injury history raises concerns about durability, when fit, he remains a potent force in the midfield for Aston Villa.
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↗ | Brentford | 27 | €73m | 93 | 83 |
| 3 | Johan Manzambisimilar↗ | SC Freiburg | 21 | €54m | 93 | 84 |
| 4 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 24 | €27m | 93 | 84 |
| 5 | Rodrigo Zalazarsimilar↗ | Sporting Braga | 27 | €32m | 93 | 83 |
| 6 | Nico Pazsimilar↗ | Como | 22 | €86m | 92 | 84 |
| 7 | Kevin Sessasimilar↗ | 1. FC Heidenheim | 26 | €800k | 92 | 86 |
| 8 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | Eintracht Frankfurt | 26 | €6.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 9 | Azzedine Ounahisimilar↗ | Girona FC | 26 | €10m | 91 | 83 |
| 10 | Chiedozie Ogbenesimilar↗ | Luton Town | 29 | €3.7m | 91 | 83 |
| 11 | Nadiem Amirisimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 30 | €16m | 91 | 83 |
| 12 | Christian Pulišićsimilar↗ | AC Milan | 28 | €43m | 90 | 83 |
* 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 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 (1. FC Heidenheim) 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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