Who should replace Giannis Papanikolaou?
CDM/CMÇaykur Rizespor · 2025/26 · ranked by tactical + market fitGiannis Papanikolaou's profile ↗
If a club needs to replace Giannis Papanikolaou, the best-fitting defensive midfielders are Greg Docherty, George Byers, Nikolas Sattlberger. Greg Docherty (Charlton Athletic) matches the role at 93/100 on tactical profile (78/100 overall). A cheaper option: George Byers at about €200k. Data as of July 2026.
Best replacements for Giannis Papanikolaou
| # | Player | Club | Age | Value | Tactical | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greg Dochertysimilar↗ | Charlton Athletic | 30 | €800k | 93 | 78 |
| 2 | George Byerssimilar↗ | Sheffield Wednesday | 30 | €200k | 93 | 77 |
| 3 | Nikolas Sattlbergersimilar↗ | KRC Genk | 22 | €2.1m | 92 | 79 |
| 4 | Kevin Ackermannsimilar↗ | IF Brommapojkarna | 25 | €700k | 91 | 79 |
| 5 | Nicolás Capaldosimilar↗ | Hamburger SV | 28 | €8.4m | 91 | 77 |
| 6 | Gonzalo Escalantesimilar↗ | Cádiz | 33 | €400k | 91 | 79 |
| 7 | Atsuki Itosimilar↗ | KAA Gent | 28 | €2.4m | 91 | 79 |
| 8 | Lars Erik Sødalsimilar↗ | Bryne FK | 24 | €400k | 91 | 77 |
| 9 | Enrique Lofolomosimilar↗ | SV Zulte Waregem | 26 | €1.1m | 91 | 76 |
| 10 | Jakub Piotrowskisimilar↗ | Udinese | 29 | €4.4m | 90 | 76 |
| 11 | Ousmane Diakitésimilar↗ | West Bromwich Albion | 26 | €1.3m | 90 | 76 |
| 12 | Gustavo Assunçãosimilar↗ | AVS - Futebol SAD | 26 | €800k | 90 | 80 |
* estimated market value · scores 0–100, league-strength adjusted · data: Sofascore, last 3 seasons
Why these players match Giannis Papanikolaou
≈ 100% Giannis Papanikolaou · low reliability
≈ 100% Giannis Papanikolaou · strong: Clearances, Aerial duels won % · medium reliability
Strengths: Clearances /90, Aerial duels won %
≈ 100% Giannis Papanikolaou · medium reliability
FAQ
Who is the best replacement for Giannis Papanikolaou?
By Doppel's tactical-fit score, Greg Docherty (Charlton Athletic) does the closest job to Giannis Papanikolaou, at 93/100 on profile. George Byers and Nikolas Sattlberger follow.
Is there a cheaper player who can replace Giannis Papanikolaou?
Yes — George Byers (Sheffield Wednesday) plays a similar defensive midfielder role at roughly €200k, a 77/100 match.
How does Doppel find replacements for Giannis Papanikolaou?
Doppel learns Giannis Papanikolaou's role profile from his 2025/26 season and ranks defensive midfielders across the big-5 leagues and more by how closely they do the same job, adjusted for league strength.
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