Who should replace Zé Rafael?
CM/CDMSantos · 2025 · ranked by tactical + market fitZé Rafael's profile ↗
Zé Rafael is a central midfielder/defensive midfielder for Santos in the Brazilian Serie A, with 27 appearances and 1 goal in 2025. For those seeking the best replacement for Zé Rafael, Daniel Requena from Levante UD offers a tactical fit score of 84/100, while Noah Mbamba from Lorient provides an 82/100 fit. Both players can effectively fulfil similar roles in midfield.
Building your XI? Put Zé Rafael in a lineup and get the whole team rated on real data.Build a lineup →Best replacements for Zé Rafael
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Requenasimilar↗ | Levante UD | 22 | €1.0m | 95 | 85 |
| 2 | Balthazar Pierretsimilar↗ | Nantes | 26 | €1.5m | 93 | 80 |
| 3 | Noah Mbambasimilar↗ | Lorient | 21 | €1.8m | 92 | 82 |
| 4 | Ezechiel Banzuzisimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 21 | €17m | 92 | 80 |
| 5 | Jandro Orellanasimilar↗ | Estoril Praia | 26 | €1.0m | 92 | 81 |
| 6 | Leandro Barreirosimilar↗ | Benfica | 26 | €17m | 91 | 79 |
| 7 | Lawrence Agyekumsimilar↗ | Cercle Brugge | 23 | €1.4m | 91 | 81 |
| 8 | Melle Meulensteensimilar↗ | Go Ahead Eagles | 27 | €2.4m | 90 | 80 |
| 9 | Matias Galarzasimilar↗ | CA Talleres | 24 | €5.0m | 90 | 80 |
| 10 | Wilitty Younoussasimilar↗ | Rodez AF | 25 | €800k | 90 | 80 |
| 11 | Nathan-Dylan Salibasimilar↗ | Villarreal | 22 | €9.2m | 90 | 80 |
| 12 | Isma Ruizsimilar↗ | Córdoba | 25 | €1.5m | 90 | 79 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · last 3 seasons
Why these players match Zé Rafael
≈ 100% Zé Rafael · strong: Aerial duels won, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Duels won /90, Aerial duels won %
≈ 100% Zé Rafael · strong: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Accurate long balls /90, Aerial duels won /90
≈ 100% Zé Rafael · strong: Tackles + interceptions, Duels won · low reliability
Strengths: Tackles + interceptions /90, Duels won /90, Successful dribbles /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Zé Rafael?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, Daniel Requena (Levante UD) does the closest job to Zé Rafael, at 95/100 on profile. Balthazar Pierret and Noah Mbamba follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Zé Rafael?
Yes — Daniel Requena (Levante UD) plays a similar central midfielder role at roughly €1.0m, a 85/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Zé Rafael?
Doppel learns Zé Rafael's role profile from his 2025 season and ranks central midfielders across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they do the same job, adjusted for league strength.
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