Best Defensive Midfielders in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Defensive Midfielders 2024-25
Our database tracked 999 World Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 676 clubs with a combined market value of €3.5B. The average market value for World Defensive Midfielders was €3.5M, with the average age at 25.8 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 Steven Nzonzi (37 years, Stoke City, €500K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 573 Defensive Midfielders (57%) 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 2024-25 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 676 clubs with €3.5B 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 (301 players, 30% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €1.6B, averaging €5.2M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (66 players)
21-23 Years (216 players)
24-26 Years (301 players)
27-29 Years (248 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €2.4B
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 676 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)
Brighton & Hove Albion (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
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 22 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
92.9
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
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 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
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
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
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille • 21 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
54.8
André
Wolverhampton Wanderers • 24 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.0M
53.9
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 146.67×. That means Moisés Caicedo is valued 146.67× 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 120.00× PPVE. Third is Aleksandar Pavlovic of Bayern Munich, who is 22 years old with a 81.25× 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 146.67× means the player is worth 14567% 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 | €750K | 146.67× |
| #2 | Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool FC | 24 | 24-26 | €90.0M | €750K | 120.00× |
| #3 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 22 | 21-23 | €65.0M | €800K | 81.25× |
| #4 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €800K | 75.00× |
| #5 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €800K | 75.00× |
| #6 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | 25 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €750K | 60.00× |
| #7 | Nico González Manchester City | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €750K | 60.00× |
| #8 | Amadou Onana Aston Villa | 24 | 24-26 | €42.0M | €750K | 56.00× |
| #9 | Manuel Ugarte Manchester United | 25 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €750K | 40.00× |
| #10 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €800K | 40.00× |
| #11 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #12 | André Wolverhampton Wanderers | 24 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €750K | 37.33× |
| #13 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €800K | 35.00× |
| #14 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €750K | 33.33× |
| #15 | James Garner Everton FC | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €750K | 33.33× |
| #16 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €750K | 33.33× |
| #17 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #18 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #19 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #20 | Johnny Cardoso Atlético de Madrid | 24 | 24-26 | €22.0M | €750K | 29.33× |
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 Mateusz Dziewiatowski of Zaglebie Lubin, 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 | Mateusz Dziewiatowski Zaglebie Lubin | 18 | 8 | €400K | €769K | +48% |
| #4 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | 18 | 8 | €600K | €1.2M | +48% |
| #5 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #6 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #7 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | 18 | 8 | €450K | €865K | +48% |
| #8 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #9 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #10 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | 19 | 7 | €225K | €402K | +44% |
| #11 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €850K | €1.5M | +44% |
| #12 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #13 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #14 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #15 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #16 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #17 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #18 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €17.9M | +44% |
| #19 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.6M | +44% |
| #20 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
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 San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Nejc Viher of NK Maribor 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 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | €576K | €496K-655K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | €767K | €661K-873K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #5 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #6 | Mateusz Dziewiatowski Zaglebie Lubin | €512K | €441K-582K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #7 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #8 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #9 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.3M | €10.6M-14.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €2.5M | €2.1M-2.8M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #15 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #16 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #17 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #18 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #19 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | €278K | €239K-316K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #20 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
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 strong 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)
Club Always Ready's Héctor Cuellar in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +14.4%. That means Ryan Gravenberch captures 44.6% of total market value while representing only 30.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is CD Leones Negros de la UdeG's Alejandro Carreón with a +14.4% ASC (44.6% value share vs 30.1% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Alan Di Pippa of Correcaminos de la UAT with a +14.4% ASC (44.6% value vs 30.1% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +14.4% ASC means the player captures 14.4% 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 | Héctor Cuellar Club Always Ready | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #2 | Alejandro Carreón CD Leones Negros de la UdeG | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #3 | Alan Di Pippa Correcaminos de la UAT | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #4 | Kevin Vázquez CS Independiente Rivadavia | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #5 | Nito FC Paços de Ferreira | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #6 | Sebastián Fierro Mazatlán FC | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #7 | J.C. Ngando Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #8 | David Braga Athletic Club | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #9 | Agustín Pinheiro CA Progreso | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #10 | Jackson Wälti Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #11 | Emanuel Torres Correcaminos de la UAT | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #12 | Fabrizio Almeida CA San Miguel | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #13 | José Espínola Recoleta FC | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #14 | Yannik Keitel FC Augsburg | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #15 | Stefano Russo Arminia Bielefeld | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #16 | Tom Dele-Bashiru Genclerbirligi Ankara | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #17 | Florentino Burnley FC | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #18 | Brandon Baiye Erzurumspor FK | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #19 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
| #20 | Achraf El Bouchataoui FC Pro Vercelli 1892 | 24-26 | 44.6% | 30.1% | +14.4% |
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: 66 immediate targets, 313 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 381 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 €400K. 2 undervalued, 141 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Manuel Ugarte Manchester United | €30.0M | €700K | -2.40 | Undervalued |
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €700K | -1.60 | Undervalued |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.0M | €700K | -1.50 | Good Value |
Yves Bissouma Tottenham Hotspur | €15.0M | €700K | -1.40 | Good Value |
Cheick Doucouré Crystal Palace | €15.0M | €700K | -1.40 | Good Value |
Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €700K | -1.40 | Good Value |
Samú Costa RCD Mallorca | €15.0M | €700K | -1.40 | Good Value |
Enzo Barrenechea SL Benfica | €15.0M | €700K | -1.40 | Good Value |
Morten Hjulmand Sporting CP | €50.0M | €700K | -1.14 | Good Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | €6.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | €30.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lorenzo Amatucci UD Las Palmas | €5.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mario Martín Getafe CF | €5.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Vitaly Janelt Brentford FC | €18.0M | €700K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Nicolas Seiwald RB Leipzig | €18.0M | €700K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Hamza Choudhury Leicester City | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
