Nicolás Otamendi vs Virgil van Dijk
Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season
Data Verdict
Virgil van Dijk commands a higher market value (€18.0M vs €1.0M). Nicolás Otamendi leads in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. Virgil van Dijk is stronger in clearances / 90. Overall, Nicolás Otamendi holds the statistical edge across 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →
Playing Style Profiles
Otamendi remains the ultimate defensive protagonist, a veteran who has successfully transitioned from a chaotic physical enforcer into a high-volume orchestrator of play. While most center-backs his age retreat into a conservative shell, he has become a ball-dominant hub, ranking in the top 5% for passes per 90 and the top 10% for progressive balls into the final third.
A Ball-Playing CB. Statistically, he stands out as commanding in the air (7.4 clearances/90), meticulous in distribution (89% pass accuracy), wins the physical battle (74% duel success), heavily involved in possession (74 passes/90), penetrates with forward passing (11.1 final-third passes/90), central to possession (86 touches/90), dominant in the air (4.5 aerials won/90, 73%) and uses long balls frequently (7.8/90).
Per-90 Statistics Comparison
| Metric | Nicolás Otamendi | Virgil van Dijk | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals / 90 | 0.07 | 0.11 | — |
| Tackles won / 90 | 1.06 | 0.37 | Nicolás |
| Interceptions / 90 | 1.53 | 0.64 | Nicolás |
| Clearances / 90 | 4.55 | 7.42 | Virgil |
| Press intensity / 90 | 2.27 | 1.26 | Nicolás |
| Pass accuracy % | 89.90 | 89.30 | Nicolás |
All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the better player — Nicolás Otamendi or Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk commands a higher market value (€18.0M vs €1.0M). Nicolás Otamendi leads in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. Virgil van Dijk is stronger in clearances / 90. Overall, Nicolás Otamendi holds the statistical edge across 4 of 5 comparable metrics.
How is this comparison calculated?
Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →
What are their market values?
Nicolás Otamendi has a market value of €1.0M, while Virgil van Dijk is valued at €18.0M.