⬡ AI DNA · Live season

Krasnodar· 2025/2026 · Russian Cup · PARTIAL

Best Alternatives to Diego Costa

DefenderBrazil26y€7.5MFull profile →

Small Sample

2.08Tkl/90

0.00KP/90

Based on 808 min · 2025/2026 · Russian Cup · PARTIAL

Ranked by AI DNA similarity — playing style, pressing, and tactical fit. Below: the closest replacements with per-90 stats and form.

DNA matchPrioritizes Russian Cup & top-tier peers

Top 3 alternatives to Diego Costa

Pelayo Fernández97% match
Rayo Vallecano · La Liga · €3.5M
Axel Disasi90% match
West Ham United · Premier League · €15.0M
Mertcan Ayhan96% match
Schalke 04 · Bundesliga

Ranked by RT Player DNA + league/value credibility. Scroll for full list, per-90 stats, and share cards.

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Playing Style Analysis

Small Sample

A Defender. Statistically, he stands out as meticulous in distribution (93% pass accuracy). Note: this profile is based on 808 minutes of playing time this season. The three closest DNA matches to Diego Costa:

Pelayo Fernández(97% match) — A Reading Defender. Statistically, he stands out as commanding in the air (4.5 clearances/90), reads the game exceptionally (1.8 interceptions/90), uses long balls frequently (6.6/90) and active off the ball (2.3 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions.
Axel Disasi(90% match) — A Ball-Playing CB. Statistically, he stands out as meticulous in distribution (87% pass accuracy), wins the physical battle (67% duel success) and uses long balls frequently (5.1/90).
Mertcan Ayhan(96% match) — A Reading Defender. Statistically, he stands out as active in the tackle (2.0 tackles/90), commanding in the air (4.2 clearances/90), uses long balls frequently (6.0/90) and active off the ball (2.3 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions.

Similarity uses per-90 performance across playing-style dimensions. How Player DNA matching works →

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Similar Players — Ranked by DNA Similarity

Pelayo Fernández

Rayo Vallecano · La Liga

Spain23y

Tkl/901.00

KP/900.00

Reading DefenderAerialIn form ↑

vs Costa: 3y younger

97% match

€3.5M

Compare Costa vs Fernández →

Ask about replacements for Costa

Same DNA shortlist as above — budget fit, who to avoid, or why the top match works.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best alternatives to Diego Costa?▼

The top alternatives to Diego Costa based on AI DNA playing style analysis include: Pelayo Fernández, Axel Disasi, Mertcan Ayhan, Ji-soo Kim, Johannes Reichert. These players were matched using Rising Transfers' 768-dimension DNA model across playing style, pressing intensity, and tactical fit — not just position or market value.

Which players are similar to Diego Costa in 2026?▼

Players with a similar profile to Diego Costa in 2026 include Pelayo Fernández (€3.5M), Axel Disasi (€15.0M), Mertcan Ayhan (N/A). For a deeper DNA-level comparison including playing style, physical attributes, and tactical fit, ask Rising Transfers' AI directly.

What position does Diego Costa play and who plays similarly?▼

Diego Costa plays as a Defender. Players with a comparable positional profile include Pelayo Fernández (Spain, €3.5M); Axel Disasi (France, €15.0M); Mertcan Ayhan (Turkey, N/A); Ji-soo Kim (South Korea, N/A).

How does Rising Transfers find similar players?▼

Rising Transfers uses a proprietary 768-dimension Player DNA model trained on 3.2 million match events. Each player is represented as a vector across 35+ per-90 metrics including pressing intensity, passing footprint, dribbling profile, and defensive contribution. Similarity is measured using cosine distance — the same technique used in state-of-the-art AI systems — making it the most precise player comparison tool available publicly.

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