⬡ AI DNA · Live season

Zenit· 2025/2026 · Russian Cup · PARTIAL

Best Alternatives to Vanja Drkusic

DefenderSlovenia26y€4.0MFull profile →

Ball-Playing CB

1.38Tkl/90

0.23KP/90

Based on 1,629 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.

Note: Top DNA style matches can come from lower leagues. We also surface Russian Cup peers ranked by market value and league tier — scroll the full list below.

DNA matchDNA style match · see league & value below

Top 3 alternatives to Vanja Drkusic

Derek Cornelius86% match
Olympique Marseille · Ligue 1 · €3.0M
Martin Ens86% match
Verl · Bundesliga

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Intelligence Verdict

Chances MissedTop 1%

???Bottom 1%

“A Ball-Playing CB....”

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Playing Style Analysis

Ball-Playing CB

A Ball-Playing CB. Statistically, he stands out as wins the physical battle (68% duel success), dominant in the air (3.2 aerials won/90, 71%) and uses long balls frequently (7.8/90). The three closest DNA matches to Vanja Drkusic:

Derek Cornelius(86% match) — Derek Cornelius is a Ball-Playing CB. Progressive defender comfortable on the ball.
Martin Ens(86% match) — Martin Ens is a Ball-Playing CB. Progressive defender comfortable on the ball.
Lorenzo Moretti(85% match) — Lorenzo Moretti is a Ball-Playing CB. Progressive defender comfortable on the ball.

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

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Similar Players — Ranked by DNA Similarity

Derek Cornelius

Olympique Marseille · Ligue 1

Canada28yContract 2026

Tkl/902.42

KP/900.16

Ball-Playing CBBall-PlayingOut of form ↓

vs Drkusic: 2y older

86% match

€3.0M

Ask about replacements for Drkusic

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 Vanja Drkusic?▼

The top alternatives to Vanja Drkusic based on AI DNA playing style analysis include: Derek Cornelius, Martin Ens, Lorenzo Moretti, Ibrahima Cissé, Andrea Masiello. 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 Vanja Drkusic in 2026?▼

Players with a similar profile to Vanja Drkusic in 2026 include Derek Cornelius (€3.0M), Martin Ens (N/A), Lorenzo Moretti (N/A). For a deeper DNA-level comparison including playing style, physical attributes, and tactical fit, ask Rising Transfers' AI directly.

What position does Vanja Drkusic play and who plays similarly?▼

Vanja Drkusic plays as a Defender. Players with a comparable positional profile include Derek Cornelius (Canada, €3.0M); Martin Ens (Germany, N/A); Lorenzo Moretti (Italy, N/A); Ibrahima Cissé (Mali, 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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