⬡ AI DNA · Live season

Johor Darul Ta'zim· 2023/2024 · Serie A · PARTIAL

Best Alternatives to Samu Castillejo

AttackerSpain31y€21.3MFull profile →

Link-up StrikerSmall Sample

0.00G/90

0.00A/90

Based on 531 min · 2023/2024 · Serie A · PARTIAL

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

DNA matchPrioritizes Serie A & top-tier peers

Top 3 alternatives to Samu Castillejo

Rasmus Højlund80% match
Napoli · Serie A · €50.0M
Moise Kean80% match
Fiorentina · Serie A · €45.0M
Loïs Openda80% match
Juventus · Serie A · €40.0M

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

Link-up StrikerSmall Sample

A Link-up Striker. Statistically, he stands out as an elite creator (2.5 key passes/90). Note: this profile is based on 531 minutes of playing time this season. The three closest DNA matches to Samu Castillejo:

Rasmus Højlund(80% match) — Højlund arrived in Serie A carrying the blueprint of a modern target forward — raw, physical, and still being written. His goal return of 0.43 per 90 places him comfortably in the top 30% of Serie A attackers, a figure that flatters a player whose broader offensive contribution remains frustratingly thin.
Moise Kean(80% match) — A Complete Forward. Statistically, he stands out as a constant goal threat (4.3 shots/90) and a regular goalscorer (0.35 goals/90).
Loïs Openda(80% match) — A Complete Forward. Statistically, he stands out as a capable chance creator (1.1 key passes/90), a constant goal threat (3.6 shots/90), wins the physical battle (55% duel success) and draws fouls effectively (3.0/90).

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

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Similar Players — Ranked by DNA Similarity

Rasmus Højlund

Napoli · Serie A

Denmark23yContract 2026

G/900.39

A/900.16

Goal ScorerSteady form

vs Castillejo: €29M more expensive · 8y younger · +0.39 G/90

80% match

€50.0M

Compare Castillejo vs Højlund →

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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 Samu Castillejo?▼

The top alternatives to Samu Castillejo based on AI DNA playing style analysis include: Rasmus Højlund, Moise Kean, Loïs Openda, Jesús Rodríguez, Santiago Castro. 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 Samu Castillejo in 2026?▼

Players with a similar profile to Samu Castillejo in 2026 include Rasmus Højlund (€50.0M), Moise Kean (€45.0M), Loïs Openda (€40.0M). For a deeper DNA-level comparison including playing style, physical attributes, and tactical fit, ask Rising Transfers' AI directly.

What position does Samu Castillejo play and who plays similarly?▼

Samu Castillejo plays as a Attacker. Players with a comparable positional profile include Rasmus Højlund (Denmark, €50.0M); Moise Kean (Italy, €45.0M); Loïs Openda (Belgium, €40.0M); Jesús Rodríguez (Spain, €30.0M).

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.

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