Best Defensive Midfielders in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Defensive Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 1000 World Defensive Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 683 clubs with a combined market value of €3.4B. The average market value for World Defensive Midfielders was €3.4M, with the average age at 27.0 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the World was Ryan Gravenberch, worth €90.0M and played for Liverpool FC at 24 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €92.0M in market value, including Vitinha and Moisés Caicedo.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest was Petros is a 36-year old football player aus Brazil (37 years, Without Club, €275K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 438 Defensive Midfielders (44%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Defensive Midfielders remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2023-24 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in World
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all World Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 683 clubs with €3.4B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Defensive Midfielders
The World CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (292 players, 29% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €1.6B, averaging €5.4M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (24 players)
21-23 Years (136 players)
24-26 Years (292 players)
27-29 Years (288 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €2.3B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CDM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Defensive Midfielders
Among 683 World clubs, Chelsea FC leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €160.0M (averaging €53.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 2% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Chelsea FC (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Manchester City (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Paris Saint-Germain (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Aston Villa (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool FC • 24 years old
€77.8M
€90.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €100.3M
95.5
Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain • 26 years old
€95.1M
€110.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €111.9M
95.5
Moisés Caicedo
Chelsea FC • 24 years old
€95.1M
€110.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €122.6M
95.5
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Real Madrid • 26 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €76.3M
94.3
Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United • 26 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €76.3M
94.2
Rodri
Manchester City • 29 years old
€96.8M
€75.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €68.7M
94.1
Martín Zubimendi
Arsenal FC • 27 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.4M
92.0
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
90.5
Morten Hjulmand
Sporting CP • 26 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.9M
75.1
Nico González
Manchester City • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.2
Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich • 31 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.7M
73.8
Angelo Stiller
VfB Stuttgart • 25 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €48.0M
72.4
Amadou Onana
Aston Villa • 24 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €46.8M
71.1
Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa • 26 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.7M
66.4
Ardon Jashari
AC Milan • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
61.8
Alan Varela
FC Porto • 24 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
61.1
Roméo Lavia
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
56.7
Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United • 25 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.7M
54.9
Marc Casadó
FC Barcelona • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
51.4
João Palhinha
Tottenham Hotspur • 30 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.8M
51.4
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Chelsea FC's Moisés Caicedo at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 110.00×. That means Moisés Caicedo is valued 110.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Liverpool FC's Ryan Gravenberch, who is 24 years old, with a 90.00× PPVE. Third is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, who is 22 years old with a 60.00× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 110.00× means the player is worth 10900% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Moisés Caicedo Chelsea FC | 24 | 24-26 | €110.0M | €1.0M | 110.00× |
| #2 | Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool FC | 24 | 24-26 | €90.0M | €1.0M | 90.00× |
| #3 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.0M | 60.00× |
| #4 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | 25 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €1.0M | 45.00× |
| #5 | Nico González Manchester City | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €1.0M | 45.00× |
| #6 | Amadou Onana Aston Villa | 24 | 24-26 | €42.0M | €1.0M | 42.00× |
| #7 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.0M | 32.00× |
| #8 | Alan Varela FC Porto | 24 | 24-26 | €32.0M | €1.0M | 32.00× |
| #9 | Manuel Ugarte Manchester United | 25 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
| #10 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
| #11 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00× |
| #12 | James Garner Everton FC | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00× |
| #13 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00× |
| #14 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00× |
| #15 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00× |
| #16 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00× |
| #17 | Johnny Cardoso Atlético de Madrid | 24 | 24-26 | €22.0M | €1.0M | 22.00× |
| #18 | Ethan Ampadu Leeds United | 25 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €1.0M | 20.00× |
| #19 | Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | 24 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €1.0M | 20.00× |
| #20 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.0M | 20.00× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb's Matija Subotic at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Matija Subotic is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is NK Maribor's Nejc Viher, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Jorthy Mokio of Ajax Amsterdam, who is 18 years old with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Matija Subotic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | 18 | 8 | €350K | €673K | +48% |
| #2 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #3 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #4 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #5 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #6 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | 19 | 7 | €225K | €402K | +44% |
| #7 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €850K | €1.5M | +44% |
| #8 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #9 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.6M | +44% |
| #10 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #11 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #12 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #13 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #14 | David Bosak HNK Cibalia Vinkovci | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #15 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
| #16 | Noah Mawete SK Beveren | 20 | 6 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #17 | Mikhail Shchetinin Lokomotiv Moscow | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #18 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #19 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | 20 | 6 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #20 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb's Matija Subotic has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Matija Subotic has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is NK Maribor's Nejc Viher with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Pascal Mozie of Legia Warszawa with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 79.0 means the upside is 79.0× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Matija Subotic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | €448K | €386K-509K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #5 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €2.5M | €2.1M-2.8M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | €278K | €239K-316K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | €1.0M | €905K-1.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Noah Mawete SK Beveren | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | David Bosak HNK Cibalia Vinkovci | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Kaick FC Dallas | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: defensive midfielder position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
FC Paços de Ferreira's Nito in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +17.2%. That means Ryan Gravenberch captures 46.4% of total market value while representing only 29.2% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Vancouver Whitecaps FC's J.C. Ngando with a +17.2% ASC (46.4% value share vs 29.2% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Jackson Wälti of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC with a +17.2% ASC (46.4% value vs 29.2% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +17.2% ASC means the player captures 17.2% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nito FC Paços de Ferreira | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #2 | J.C. Ngando Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #3 | Jackson Wälti Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #4 | Yannik Keitel FC Augsburg | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #5 | Stefano Russo Arminia Bielefeld | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #6 | Tom Dele-Bashiru Genclerbirligi Ankara | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #7 | Florentino Burnley FC | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #8 | Brandon Baiye Erzurumspor FK | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #9 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #10 | Achraf El Bouchataoui FC Pro Vercelli 1892 | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #11 | Luca Mack FC Vaduz | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #12 | Nicky Souren SC Cambuur Leeuwarden | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #13 | Chris Durkin St. Louis CITY SC | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #14 | Roberto Meraz Atlético de San Luis | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #15 | Ante Palaversa Aberdeen FC | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #16 | Njegos Petrovic FK Vojvodina Novi Sad | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #17 | Daniël van Kaam RKC Waalwijk | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #18 | Julian Rieckmann SV Waldhof Mannheim | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #19 | Ilia Gruev Leeds United | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
| #20 | Jandro Orellana GD Estoril Praia | 24-26 | 46.4% | 29.2% | +17.2% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 24 immediate targets, 217 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 407 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €600K. 0 undervalued, 133 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yves Bissouma Tottenham Hotspur | €15.0M | €750K | -1.40 | Good Value |
Morten Hjulmand Sporting CP | €50.0M | €750K | -1.14 | Good Value |
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €750K | -1.14 | Good Value |
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg Olympique Marseille | €18.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Cheick Doucouré Crystal Palace | €15.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | €30.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Samú Costa RCD Mallorca | €15.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Enzo Barrenechea SL Benfica | €15.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Manuel Ugarte Manchester United | €30.0M | €750K | -0.92 | Good Value |
Vitaly Janelt Brentford FC | €18.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Salvatore Esposito UC Sampdoria | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Nicolai Remberg Hamburger SV | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Mirko Topić Norwich City | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Urko González de Zárate RCD Espanyol Barcelona | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Boubacar Traoré FC Metz | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Rômulo Tigres UANL | €5.0M | €750K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Alan Varela FC Porto | €32.0M | €750K | -0.77 | Good Value |
Pedro Chirivella Panathinaikos FC | €5.0M | €750K | -0.75 | Good Value |
