⬡ AI DNA · Live season

Vitória Guimarães· 2025/2026 · Liga Portugal · FULL

Best Alternatives to João Mendes

DefenderPortugal26yN/AFull profile →

Solid Defender

2.10Tkl/90

0.80KP/90

Based on 2,353 min · 2025/2026 · Liga Portugal · FULL

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

DNA matchPrioritizes Liga Portugal & top-tier peers

Top 3 alternatives to João Mendes

Leonardo Rivas98% match
AVS · Liga Portugal
Andreas Ntoi97% match
Rio Ave · Liga Portugal
Jefferson Encada97% match
Estrela Amadora · Liga Portugal

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

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Intelligence Verdict

Chances MissedTop 1%

“A Solid Defender....”

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Playing Style Analysis

Solid Defender

A Solid Defender. Statistically, he stands out as active in the tackle (2.1 tackles/90) and uses long balls frequently (5.8/90). The three closest DNA matches to João Mendes:

Leonardo Rivas(98% match) — A Reading Defender. Statistically, he stands out as active in the tackle (2.5 tackles/90), commanding in the air (4.6 clearances/90), wins the physical battle (61% duel success) and active off the ball (2.3 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions.
Andreas Ntoi(97% match) — A Solid Defender. Statistically, he stands out as active off the ball (2.1 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions.
Jefferson Encada(97% match) — A Solid Defender. Statistically, he stands out as active off the ball (2.5 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

AVS · Liga Portugal

Reading DefenderAerialSteady form

vs Mendes: 2y younger

98% match

N/A

Compare Mendes vs Rivas →

Ask about replacements for Mendes

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

Knows 56,883 players. Knows 3,481 clubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best alternatives to João Mendes?▼

The top alternatives to João Mendes based on AI DNA playing style analysis include: Leonardo Rivas, Andreas Ntoi, Jefferson Encada, Tiago Manso, Gonçalo Costa. 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 João Mendes in 2026?▼

Players with a similar profile to João Mendes in 2026 include Leonardo Rivas (N/A), Andreas Ntoi (N/A), Jefferson Encada (N/A). For a deeper DNA-level comparison including playing style, physical attributes, and tactical fit, ask Rising Transfers' AI directly.

What position does João Mendes play and who plays similarly?▼

João Mendes plays as a Defender. Players with a comparable positional profile include Leonardo Rivas (Paraguay, N/A); Andreas Ntoi (Greece, N/A); Jefferson Encada (Guinea-Bissau, N/A); Tiago Manso (Portugal, 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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