Who should replace Ao Tanaka?
CM/CDMLeeds United · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitAo Tanaka's profile ↗
Ao Tanaka is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Leeds United in the Premier League, with 28 appearances and 2 goals in the 2025/26 season. For those searching for the best replacement for Tanaka, Matúš Bero from VfL Bochum 1848 offers a strong tactical fit with a score of 85/100, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu from Inter also presents a solid option with a fit score of 84/100.
Building your XI? Put Ao Tanaka in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →Best replacements for Ao Tanaka
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matúš Berosimilar↗ | VfL Bochum 1848 | 31 | €900k | 93 | 85 |
| 2 | Hakan Çalhanoğlusimilar↗ | Inter | 32 | €17m | 92 | 84 |
| 3 | Neil El Aynaouisimilar↗ | RC Lens | 25 | €22m | 92 | 83 |
| 4 | Corentin Tolissosimilar↗ | Olympique Lyonnais | 32 | €11m | 91 | 82 |
| 5 | James Ward-Prowsesimilar↗ | West Ham United | 32 | €4.5m | 91 | 85 |
| 6 | Enzo Le Féesimilar↗ | Sunderland | 26 | €26m | 91 | 83 |
| 7 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 31 | €11m | 90 | 82 |
| 8 | Yasin Ayarisimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 23 | €32m | 90 | 82 |
| 9 | Adam Whartonsimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 22 | €74m | 90 | 83 |
| 10 | Douglas Luizsimilar↗ | Aston Villa | 28 | €19m | 90 | 82 |
| 11 | Ruslan Malinovskyisimilar↗ | Genoa | 33 | €2.6m | 90 | 81 |
| 12 | Joey Veermansimilar↗ | PSV Eindhoven | 28 | €26m | 89 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Ao Tanaka
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Possession won in att. third, Accurate crosses · low reliability
Strengths: Possession won in att. third /90, Accurate crosses /90, Key passes /90
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls /90, Accurate crosses /90
≈ 100% Ao Tanaka · strong: Finishing (npG − npxG, Non-penalty goals · medium reliability
Strengths: Finishing (npG − npxG /90), Non-penalty goals /90, Accurate crosses /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Ao Tanaka?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848) does the closest job to Ao Tanaka, at 93/100 on profile. Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Neil El Aynaoui follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Ao Tanaka?
Yes — Matúš Bero (VfL Bochum 1848) plays a similar central midfielder role at roughly €900k, a 85/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Ao Tanaka?
Doppel learns Ao Tanaka'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 →