Who should replace Mertcan Ayhan?
CBFC Schalke 04 · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMertcan Ayhan's profile ↗
Mertcan Ayhan is a centre-back for FC Schalke 04 in the 2. Bundesliga, having made 27 appearances in the 2025/26 season. The best replacements for Ayhan include Nicolas Cozza from Nantes, who has a fit score of 86/100, and Zak Sturge from Millwall, with a fit score of 85/100. For those searching for players similar to Ayhan, these options provide strong tactical fits.
Best replacements for Mertcan Ayhan
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolas Cozzasimilar↗ | Nantes | 27 | €2.7m | 95 | 86 |
| 2 | Zak Sturgesimilar↗ | Millwall | 22 | €3.9m | 94 | 85 |
| 3 | Lukas Willensimilar↗ | SV Zulte Waregem | 23 | €600k | 93 | 83 |
| 4 | Kelvin Amiansimilar↗ | Nantes | 28 | €2.1m | 93 | 84 |
| 5 | Rhys Norrington-Daviessimilar↗ | Queens Park Rangers | 27 | €2.3m | 92 | 85 |
| 6 | Kayne Ramsaysimilar↗ | Charlton Athletic | 26 | €900k | 92 | 82 |
| 7 | Timo Beckersimilar↗ | Holstein Kiel | 29 | €1.5m | 92 | 82 |
| 8 | Kristijan Jakićsimilar↗ | FC Augsburg | 29 | €5.6m | 92 | 82 |
| 9 | José Copetesimilar↗ | Valencia | 27 | €4.5m | 92 | 83 |
| 10 | Olivier Aertssensimilar↗ | PEC Zwolle | 22 | €600k | 91 | 86 |
| 11 | Jayden Oosterwoldesimilar↗ | Fenerbahçe | 25 | €21m | 91 | 81 |
| 12 | Andreas Ndojsimilar↗ | Rio Ave | 23 | €5.4m | 91 | 84 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Mertcan Ayhan
≈ 100% Mertcan Ayhan · strong: Possession won in att. third, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Possession won in att. third /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Mertcan Ayhan · strong: Successful dribbles, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Successful dribbles /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Mertcan Ayhan · strong: Key passes, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Key passes /90, Possession won in att. third /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Mertcan Ayhan?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, Nicolas Cozza (Nantes) does the closest job to Mertcan Ayhan, at 95/100 on profile. Zak Sturge and Lukas Willen follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Mertcan Ayhan?
Yes — Lukas Willen (SV Zulte Waregem) plays a similar centre back role at roughly €600k, a 83/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Mertcan Ayhan?
Doppel learns Mertcan Ayhan's role profile from his 2025/26 season and ranks centre backs across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they do the same job, adjusted for league strength.
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