Best Defensive Midfielders in the World (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 999 World Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 626 clubs with a combined market value of €2.5B. The average market value for World Defensive Midfielders is €2.5M, with the average age at 27.0 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the World is Aurélien Tchouaméni, worth €75.0M and playing for Real Madrid at 25 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €79.0M in market value, including Bruno Guimarães and Ryan Gravenberch.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Eduardo Felicíssimo (18 years, Sporting CP B, €3.0M), while the oldest is Enzo Pérez (39 years, CA River Plate, €250K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 465 Defensive Midfielders (47%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Defensive Midfielders remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected in the 2025-26 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 626 clubs with €2.5B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Defensive Midfielders
The World CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (280 players, 28% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €747.8M, averaging €3.0M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (52 players)
21-23 Years (162 players)
24-26 Years (252 players)
27-29 Years (253 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €1.6B
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 626 World clubs, Manchester City leads with 2 Defensive Midfielders worth €150.0M (averaging €75.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 2% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Manchester City (2 Defensive Midfielders)
Liverpool FC (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Newcastle United (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Real Madrid (1 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.
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Real Madrid • 25 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €79.9M
95.5
Bruno Guimarães
Newcastle United • 28 years old
€84.5M
€80.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €73.3M
94.6
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool FC • 23 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €82.6M
94.6
Rodri
Manchester City • 29 years old
€142.0M
€110.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €100.7M
94.1
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 21 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €65.6M
87.5
Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.2
Angelo Stiller
VfB Stuttgart • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
74.0
Roméo Lavia
Chelsea FC • 21 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €47.7M
71.7
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 21 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €47.7M
71.6
Nico González
Manchester City • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.1M
70.0
Nicolò Rovella
SS Lazio • 24 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
55.9
Rodrigo Bentancur
Tottenham Hotspur • 28 years old
€31.7M
€30.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €26.4M
53.9
Danilo
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas • 24 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.0M
53.6
Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Inter Milan • 31 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.8M
52.8
Stanislav Lobotka
SSC Napoli • 31 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.8M
52.8
Samuele Ricci
AC Milan • 24 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.8M
51.0
Pape Gueye
Villarreal CF • 26 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.4M
49.2
Sander Berge
Fulham FC • 27 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.7M
48.4
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille • 20 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.2M
48.4
Richard Ríos
SL Benfica • 25 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.5M
47.0
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)
Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 125.00×. That means Aurélien Tchouaméni is valued 125.00× 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 23 years old, with a 93.75× PPVE. Third is Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart, who is 24 years old with a 75.00× 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 125.00× means the player is worth 12400% 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 | Aurélien Tchouaméni Real Madrid | 25 | 24-26 | €75.0M | €600K | 125.00× |
| #2 | Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool FC | 23 | 21-23 | €75.0M | €800K | 93.75× |
| #3 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €600K | 75.00× |
| #4 | Manuel Ugarte Manchester United | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €600K | 75.00× |
| #5 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 21 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €800K | 68.75× |
| #6 | Nico González Manchester City | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #7 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | 24 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €600K | 50.00× |
| #8 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #9 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #10 | Danilo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | 24 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €600K | 46.67× |
| #11 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 20 | U21 | €22.0M | €500K | 44.00× |
| #12 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €600K | 41.67× |
| #13 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €500K | 40.00× |
| #14 | Richard Ríos SL Benfica | 25 | 24-26 | €22.0M | €600K | 36.67× |
| #15 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 24 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €600K | 33.33× |
| #16 | James Garner Everton FC | 24 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €600K | 30.00× |
| #17 | Mohamed Camara Al-Sadd SC | 25 | 24-26 | €14.0M | €600K | 23.33× |
| #18 | Martinelli Fluminense Football Club | 24 | 24-26 | €14.0M | €600K | 23.33× |
| #19 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 21 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #20 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €800K | 18.75× |
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)
Sporting CP B's Eduardo Felicíssimo at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Eduardo Felicíssimo is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Luis Otávio of Sport Club Internacional, 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 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 18 | 8 | €3.0M | €5.8M | +48% |
| #2 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | 18 | 8 | €375K | €721K | +48% |
| #3 | Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional | 18 | 8 | €2.5M | €4.8M | +48% |
| #4 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 19 | 7 | €450K | €804K | +44% |
| #5 | Matías Galindo Club A.B.B. | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #6 | Yunus Konak Brentford FC | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #7 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #8 | Thiago Helguera CD Mirandés | 19 | 7 | €3.5M | €6.3M | +44% |
| #9 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #10 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #11 | Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #12 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #13 | Alejandro Ararat CD Atlético Huila | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #14 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #15 | Halam Loboa Independiente Medellín | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #16 | Fodé Sylla RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #17 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #18 | Santiago Cuiza CD Real Tomayapo | 20 | 6 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #19 | Lautaro López Lommel SK | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #20 | Selvi Clua UD Almería | 20 | 6 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Sport Club Internacional's Luis Otávio has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Luis Otávio has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Sporting CP B's Eduardo Felicíssimo with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Kevin Merida of San Antonio Bulo Bulo 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 | Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €3.8M | €3.3M-4.4M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | €480K | €413K-546K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Yunus Konak Brentford FC | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Alejandro Ararat CD Atlético Huila | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Fodé Sylla RC Lens | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Halam Loboa Independiente Medellín | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Thiago Helguera CD Mirandés | €4.3M | €3.7M-4.9M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #15 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | €556K | €479K-632K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #16 | Matías Galindo Club A.B.B. | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #17 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #18 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | €47.7M | €41.1M-54.3M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #19 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | €47.7M | €41.1M-54.3M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #20 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
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)
CF Pachuca's William Carvalho in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-11.4%. That means Hakan Çalhanoğlu captures 16.6% of total market value while representing only 28.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is CR Flamengo's Jorginho with a +-11.4% ASC (16.6% value share vs 28.0% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Diego de Buen of Club Necaxa with a +-11.4% ASC (16.6% value vs 28.0% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-11.4% ASC means the player captures -11.4% 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 | William Carvalho CF Pachuca | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #2 | Jorginho CR Flamengo | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #3 | Diego de Buen Club Necaxa | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #4 | Luiz Gustavo São Paulo Futebol Clube | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #5 | Fernando is a 33-year old football player aus Brazil Without Club | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #6 | Parvizdzhon Umarbaev Lokomotiv Plovdiv | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #7 | Jonas Meffert Hamburger SV | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #8 | Thulani Serero Without Club | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #9 | Charles Vélez CD El Nacional | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #10 | Hannes Van Der Bruggen Cercle Brugge | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #11 | Marco Fossati AC Trento | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #12 | Granit Xhaka Sunderland AFC | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #13 | Luke Brattan Macarthur FC | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #14 | Bruno Zuculini Racing Club | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #15 | Afonso Taira Abha Club | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #16 | Marcel Sobottka Without Club | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #17 | Gustavo Cuéllar Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #18 | Lorenzo Reyes CD Ñublense | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #19 | Kostakis Artymatas Anorthosis Famagusta | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
| #20 | Lucas Sasha Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 30+ | 16.6% | 28.0% | -11.4% |
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: 55 immediate targets, 246 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 325 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 €450K. 0 undervalued, 153 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fabinho Al-Ittihad Club | €15.0M | €600K | -1.43 | Good Value |
Tomáš Souček West Ham United | €18.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Orel Mangala Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Bruno Guimarães Newcastle United | €80.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | €30.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | €55.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Doğucan Haspolat KVC Westerlo | €5.0M | €600K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Fausto Vera Clube Atlético Mineiro | €5.0M | €600K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Mirko Topić Norwich City | €5.0M | €600K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Boubacar Traoré FC Metz | €5.0M | €600K | -0.88 | Good Value |
Hamza Choudhury Leicester City | €5.0M | €600K | -0.83 | Good Value |
Carlos Rodríguez CD Cruz Azul | €5.0M | €600K | -0.83 | Good Value |
Kevin Lenini FC Krasnodar | €5.0M | €600K | -0.83 | Good Value |
Vítor Carvalho SC Braga | €5.0M | €600K | -0.83 | Good Value |
James Garner Everton FC | €18.0M | €600K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Érick Sánchez CF América | €6.0M | €600K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Nail Umyarov Spartak Moscow | €6.0M | €600K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Tanner Tessmann Olympique Lyon | €6.0M | €600K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Ariel Gauto Club Sportivo Trinidense | €225K | €600K | -0.58 | Good Value |
