RisingTransfers
AI DNA Similarity

Best Alternatives to Sam Johnstone

Players most similar to Sam Johnstone (Goalkeeper, €5.0M) — ranked by AI DNA similarity score across playing style, pressing intensity, and tactical fit.

Top 3 Alternatives to Sam Johnstone

  1. 1.Jordan Pickford89% DNA match·Everton€15.0M
  2. 2.José Sá89% DNA match·Wolverhampton Wanderers€5.0M
  3. 3.Dean Henderson88% DNA match·Crystal Palace€28.0M

Ranked by AI DNA similarity — 768 dimensions across playing style, pressing intensity, and tactical fit.

RT

Intelligence Verdict

Tackles WonTop 7%
???Bottom 0%

A Commanding Keeper....

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Playing Style Analysis

Commanding Keeper

A Commanding Keeper. Statistically, he stands out as dominant in aerial duels (83% success), penetrates with forward passing (9.2 final-third passes/90), reliable in goal (3.2 saves/90) and commands the box with authority (1.3 punches/90). However, he concedes frequently (2.00/90). The three most similar players to Sam Johnstone by playing style are:

  • Jordan Pickford(89% match)A Sweeper-Keeper. Statistically, he stands out as naturally left-footed, dominant in aerial duels (92% success) and penetrates with forward passing (11.2 final-third passes/90).
  • José Sá(89% match)A Traditional Keeper. Statistically, he stands out as dominant in aerial duels (96% success) and commands the box with authority (1.3 punches/90). However, he concedes frequently (1.67/90).
  • Dean Henderson(88% match)A Traditional Keeper. Statistically, he stands out as dominant in aerial duels (96% success), penetrates with forward passing (8.8 final-third passes/90) and commands the box with authority (0.9 punches/90).

Transfer Intelligence

Jordan Pickford delivers 89% of the same playing style, at a 200% premium over Sam Johnstone, and is 32 years old.

Similarity is calculated using per-90 performance data across multiple playing style dimensions. How Player DNA matching works →

S
Comparison Base
Sam Johnstone
GoalkeeperEngland€5.0M
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Similar Players — Ranked by DNA Similarity

Ask AI: Why are these players similar?

Our 768-dimension Player DNA model matches playing style, physical profile, pressing intensity, and tactical fit. Ask the AI to explain exactly what makes these players statistically similar to Sam Johnstone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the best alternatives to Sam Johnstone?
The top alternatives to Sam Johnstone based on AI DNA playing style analysis include: Jordan Pickford, José Sá, Dean Henderson, David Raya, Nick Pope. 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 Sam Johnstone in 2026?
Players with a similar profile to Sam Johnstone in 2026 include Jordan Pickford (€15.0M), José Sá (€5.0M), Dean Henderson (€28.0M). For a deeper DNA-level comparison including playing style, physical attributes, and tactical fit, ask Rising Transfers' AI directly.
What position does Sam Johnstone play and who plays similarly?
Sam Johnstone plays as a Goalkeeper. Players with a comparable positional profile include Jordan Pickford (England, €15.0M); José Sá (Portugal, €5.0M); Dean Henderson (England, €28.0M); David Raya (Spain, €35.0M).
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.