Who should replace Mikel Merino?
CMArsenal · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitMikel Merino's profile ↗
If a club needs to replace Mikel Merino, the best-fitting central midfielders are Corentin Tolisso, Malik Tillman, Kai Havertz. Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyonnais) matches the role at 92/100 on tactical profile (82/100 overall). A cheaper option: Philip Billing at about €6.2m. Data as of July 2026.
Best replacements for Mikel Merino
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corentin Tolissosimilar↗ | Olympique Lyonnais | 30 | €11m | 92 | 82 |
| 2 | Malik Tillmansimilar↗ | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 23 | €27m | 92 | 84 |
| 3 | Kai Havertzsimilar↗ | Arsenal | 24 | €53m | 92 | 86 |
| 4 | Leon Goretzkasimilar↗ | FC Bayern München | 28 | €11m | 90 | 83 |
| 5 | Nikolas Narteysimilar↗ | VfB Stuttgart | 25 | €10m | 90 | 81 |
| 6 | Philip Billingsimilar↗ | Bournemouth | 27 | €6.2m | 90 | 81 |
| 7 | Eric Ebimbesimilar↗ | Eintracht Frankfurt | 23 | €6.5m | 90 | 86 |
| 8 | Diego Gómezsimilar↗ | Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | €27m | 89 | 82 |
| 9 | Joelintonsimilar↗ | Newcastle United | 28 | €27m | 89 | 78 |
| 10 | Jae-sung Leesimilar↗ | 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 32 | €2.1m | 89 | 81 |
| 11 | Rodrisimilar↗ | Manchester City | 27 | €50m | 89 | 81 |
| 12 | Christoph Baumgartnersimilar↗ | RB Leipzig | 26 | €42m | 88 | 83 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Mikel Merino
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Sofascore rating, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Sofascore rating, Non-penalty goals /90, Possession won in att. third /90
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Non-penalty goals, Possession won in att. third · medium reliability
Strengths: Non-penalty goals /90, Possession won in att. third /90, Big chances created /90
≈ 100% Mikel Merino · strong: Aerial duels won, Non-penalty goals · low reliability
Strengths: Aerial duels won /90, Non-penalty goals /90, xG + xA /90
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Mikel Merino?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, Corentin Tolisso (Olympique Lyonnais) does the closest job to Mikel Merino, at 92/100 on profile. Malik Tillman and Kai Havertz follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Mikel Merino?
Yes — Philip Billing (Bournemouth) plays a similar central midfielder role at roughly €6.2m, a 81/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Mikel Merino?
Doppel learns Mikel Merino'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.
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