Who should replace Axel Witsel?
CB/CM/CDMNice · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitAxel Witsel's profile ↗
Axel Witsel is a centre-back/central midfielder for Nice in Ligue 1, with 32 appearances in the 2025/26 season, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists. For those seeking the best replacement for Witsel, Jefferson Lerma from Crystal Palace and Roberto Gagliardini from Hellas Verona both offer a tactical fit score of 84/100, making them strong contenders to fill a similar role.
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| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson Lermasimilar↗ | Crystal Palace | 32 | €5.5m | 95 | 84 |
| 2 | Roberto Gagliardinisimilar↗ | Hellas Verona | 32 | €1.2m | 94 | 84 |
| 3 | Bryan Heynensimilar↗ | KRC Genk | 29 | €8.7m | 94 | 82 |
| 4 | Anouar El Azzouzisimilar↗ | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 25 | €1.6m | 94 | 83 |
| 5 | Matias Galarzasimilar↗ | CA Talleres | 24 | €5.0m | 93 | 85 |
| 6 | Sydie Pecksimilar↗ | Sheffield United | 22 | €15m | 92 | 87 |
| 7 | Jason Knightsimilar↗ | Bristol City | 25 | €6.4m | 92 | 83 |
| 8 | Rubén Alcarazsimilar↗ | Granada | 35 | €300k | 92 | 82 |
| 9 | Nico O'Reillysimilar↗ | Manchester City | 21 | €76m | 91 | 84 |
| 10 | Leonardo Lopessimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 28 | €2.6m | 91 | 84 |
| 11 | Amir Richardsonsimilar↗ | Le Havre | 24 | €3.9m | 91 | 83 |
| 12 | Enric Llansanasimilar↗ | RSC Anderlecht | 25 | €2.1m | 91 | 84 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Axel Witsel
≈ 100% Axel Witsel · strong: Aerial duels won, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90, Shots /90
≈ 100% Axel Witsel · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Shots · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Shots /90, Touches /90
≈ 100% Axel Witsel · strong: Sofascore rating, Accurate final-third passes · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Accurate final-third passes /90, Key passes /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Axel Witsel?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) does the closest job to Axel Witsel, at 95/100 on profile. Roberto Gagliardini and Bryan Heynen follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Axel Witsel?
Yes — Rubén Alcaraz (Granada) plays a similar centre back role at roughly €300k, a 82/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Axel Witsel?
Doppel learns Axel Witsel'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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