Who should replace Granit Xhaka?
CM/CDMSunderland · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitGranit Xhaka's profile ↗
Granit Xhaka is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Sunderland in the Premier League, having made 34 appearances in the 2025/26 season, contributing 1 goal and 6 assists. The best replacements for Xhaka include James Garner from Everton, with a fit score of 81/100, and Peer Koopmeiners from AZ Alkmaar, who has a fit score of 80/100. These players offer a tactical fit that aligns closely with Xhaka's role.
Building your XI? Put Granit Xhaka in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →Best replacements for Granit Xhaka
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Garnersimilar↗ | Everton | 25 | €48m | 93 | 81 |
| 2 | Ramiz Zerroukisimilar↗ | FC Twente | 28 | €6.0m | 93 | 79 |
| 3 | Peer Koopmeinerssimilar↗ | AZ Alkmaar | 26 | €13m | 92 | 80 |
| 4 | Luis Millasimilar↗ | Getafe | 32 | €3.2m | 91 | 79 |
| 5 | Joris van Overeemsimilar↗ | SC Heerenveen | 32 | €900k | 91 | 81 |
| 6 | Elliot Andersonsimilar↗ | Nottingham Forest | 24 | €68m | 91 | 80 |
| 7 | Édersonsimilar↗ | Atalanta | 27 | €43m | 91 | 82 |
| 8 | Bryan Cristantesimilar↗ | AS Roma | 31 | €7.7m | 91 | 79 |
| 9 | Corentin Tolissosimilar↗ | Olympique Lyonnais | 32 | €11m | 91 | 81 |
| 10 | Jordan Holsgrovesimilar↗ | Estoril Praia | 27 | €5.3m | 91 | 79 |
| 11 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 90 | 82 |
| 12 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 25 | €2.1m | 90 | 80 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Granit Xhaka
≈ 100% Granit Xhaka · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Accurate crosses /90, Touches /90
≈ 100% Granit Xhaka · strong: Accurate long balls, Accurate final-third passes · low reliability
Strengths: Accurate long balls /90, Accurate final-third passes /90, Sofascore rating
≈ 100% Granit Xhaka · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Accurate crosses /90, Sofascore rating
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Granit Xhaka?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, James Garner (Everton) does the closest job to Granit Xhaka, at 93/100 on profile. Ramiz Zerrouki and Peer Koopmeiners follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Granit Xhaka?
Yes — Joris van Overeem (SC Heerenveen) plays a similar central midfielder role at roughly €900k, a 81/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Granit Xhaka?
Doppel learns Granit Xhaka's role profile from his 2025/26 season and ranks central midfielders across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they do the same job, adjusted for league strength.
Want the full, budget-aware shortlist with heatmaps and your own filters?
Run your own search on Doppel →