Best Midfielders in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 1000 World Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 660 clubs with a combined market value of €3.8B. The average market value for World Midfielders was €3.8M, with the average age at 27.1 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the World was Declan Rice, worth €120.0M and played for Arsenal FC at 27 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €92.0M in market value, including Federico Valverde and Alexis Mac Allister.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years, LOSC Lille, €40.0M), while the oldest was James Milner (40 years, Brighton & Hove Albion, €750K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 335 Midfielders (34%) 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 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 660 clubs with €3.8B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Midfielders
The World CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (323 players, 32% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €1.6B, averaging €5.0M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (21 players)
21-23 Years (123 players)
24-26 Years (287 players)
27-29 Years (323 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Midfielders (10% of players) control €2.4B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Midfielders
Among 660 World clubs, Newcastle United leads with 4 Midfielders worth €156.0M (averaging €39.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 3% of tracked Midfielders.
Newcastle United (4 Midfielders)
Arsenal FC (2 Midfielders)
Real Madrid (2 Midfielders)
Liverpool FC (2 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Declan Rice
Arsenal FC • 27 years old
€126.8M
€120.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €109.3M
94.7
Federico Valverde
Real Madrid • 27 years old
€126.8M
€120.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €109.3M
94.7
Alexis Mac Allister
Liverpool FC • 27 years old
€89.8M
€85.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €77.4M
94.7
Bruno Guimarães
Newcastle United • 28 years old
€96.8M
€75.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €68.3M
93.9
Nicolò Barella
Inter Milan • 29 years old
€77.5M
€60.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €51.8M
90.1
Tijjani Reijnders
Manchester City • 27 years old
€68.7M
€65.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €59.2M
90.0
Elliot Anderson
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.9M
88.6
Scott McTominay
SSC Napoli • 29 years old
€58.1M
€45.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €38.8M
76.1
Manu Koné
AS Roma • 25 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.9M
75.4
Fabián Ruiz
Paris Saint-Germain • 30 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.5M
73.6
Ayyoub Bouaddi
LOSC Lille • 18 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €51.4M
72.9
Felix Nmecha
Borussia Dortmund • 25 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.8M
70.9
Andrey Santos
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.1M
69.8
Curtis Jones
Liverpool FC • 25 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.7M
66.5
Khéphren Thuram
Juventus FC • 25 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.7M
66.4
Youri Tielemans
Aston Villa • 29 years old
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €30.2M
65.5
Éderson
Atalanta BC • 26 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €42.9M
65.1
Pape Matar Sarr
Tottenham Hotspur • 23 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €39.0M
64.3
Jacob Ramsey
Newcastle United • 25 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.6M
61.9
Conor Gallagher
Tottenham Hotspur • 26 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €37.5M
60.8
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)
AS Roma's Manu Koné at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 62.50×. That means Manu Koné is valued 62.50× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is 18 years old, with a 57.14× PPVE. Third is Felix Nmecha of Borussia Dortmund, who is 25 years old with a 56.25× 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 62.50× means the player is worth 6150% 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 | Manu Koné AS Roma | 25 | 24-26 | €50.0M | €800K | 62.50× |
| #2 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | U21 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #3 | Felix Nmecha Borussia Dortmund | 25 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €800K | 56.25× |
| #4 | Curtis Jones Liverpool FC | 25 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #5 | Khéphren Thuram Juventus FC | 25 | 24-26 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #6 | Elliot Anderson Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.2M | 50.00× |
| #7 | Jacob Ramsey Newcastle United | 25 | 24-26 | €35.0M | €800K | 43.75× |
| #8 | Christos Mouzakitis Olympiacos Piraeus | 19 | U21 | €25.0M | €700K | 35.71× |
| #9 | Andrey Santos Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €1.2M | 33.33× |
| #10 | Quinten Timber Olympique Marseille | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #11 | Orkun Kökçü Besiktas JK | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #12 | Pape Matar Sarr Tottenham Hotspur | 23 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €1.2M | 29.17× |
| #13 | Kenneth Taylor SS Lazio | 24 | 24-26 | €23.0M | €800K | 28.75× |
| #14 | Matvey Kislyak CSKA Moscow | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #15 | Matt O'Riley Olympique Marseille | 25 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #16 | Mikel Jauregizar Athletic Bilbao | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.2M | 25.00× |
| #17 | Morten Frendrup Genoa CFC | 25 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #18 | Beñat Prados Athletic Bilbao | 25 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #19 | Valentin Atangana Al-Ahli SFC | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #20 | Rocco Reitz Borussia Mönchengladbach | 24 | 24-26 | €17.0M | €800K | 21.25× |
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)
New York City FC's Máximo Carrizo at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Máximo Carrizo is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Youssef Hamdaoui of Royal Antwerp FC, who is 18 years old with a +44% 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #2 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €40.0M | €71.5M | +44% |
| #3 | Youssef Hamdaoui Royal Antwerp FC | 18 | 8 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #4 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #5 | Hunor Németh MTK Budapest | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #6 | Christos Mouzakitis Olympiacos Piraeus | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #7 | Tiago Freitas SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €550K | €914K | +40% |
| #8 | Kirill Simonov Fakel Voronezh | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #9 | Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #10 | João Teixeira FC Porto B | 20 | 6 | €750K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #11 | Laurits Pedersen Randers FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #12 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #13 | Viktor Tsukanov Shakhtar Donetsk | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #14 | Ian Wisdom Club Sporting Cristal | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #15 | Matvey Kislyak CSKA Moscow | 20 | 6 | €20.0M | €30.9M | +35% |
| #16 | Tomás Moreira SL Benfica B | 20 | 6 | €450K | €696K | +35% |
| #17 | Valentin Atangana Al-Ahli SFC | 20 | 6 | €15.0M | €23.2M | +35% |
| #18 | Théo Hansen Hobro IK | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #19 | İsak Vural Pisa Sporting Club | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €7.7M | +35% |
| #20 | Israel Isaac Ayuma NK Istra 1961 | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 80.4. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi has 29% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Royal Antwerp FC's Youssef Hamdaoui with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Máximo Carrizo of New York City FC with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 80.4 means the upside is 80.4× 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €51.4M | €44.3M-58.5M | +29% | 80.4 |
| #2 | Youssef Hamdaoui Royal Antwerp FC | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Hunor Németh MTK Budapest | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Tiago Freitas SL Benfica B | €655K | €565K-745K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Christos Mouzakitis Olympiacos Piraeus | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Viktor Tsukanov Shakhtar Donetsk | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Ian Wisdom Club Sporting Cristal | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #10 | Tomás Moreira SL Benfica B | €516K | €445K-587K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #11 | Théo Hansen Hobro IK | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #12 | Kirill Simonov Fakel Voronezh | €401K | €346K-457K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #13 | Laurits Pedersen Randers FC | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #14 | Valentin Atangana Al-Ahli SFC | €17.2M | €14.8M-19.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #15 | Israel Isaac Ayuma NK Istra 1961 | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Kener González Internacional de Palmira | €745K | €642K-848K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | €6.9M | €5.9M-7.8M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | João Teixeira FC Porto B | €860K | €741K-979K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Matvey Kislyak CSKA Moscow | €22.9M | €19.8M-26.1M | +15% | 46.3 |
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: 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)
Widzew Lodz's Lukas Lerager in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-11.2%. That means Fabián Ruiz captures 13.4% of total market value while representing only 24.6% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Glentoran FC's Aaron McEneff with a +-11.2% ASC (13.4% value share vs 24.6% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Cameron McGeehan of Northampton Town with a +-11.2% ASC (13.4% value vs 24.6% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-11.2% ASC means the player captures -11.2% 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 | Lukas Lerager Widzew Lodz | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #2 | Aaron McEneff Glentoran FC | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #3 | Cameron McGeehan Northampton Town | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #4 | Mattia Valoti Spezia Calcio | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #5 | Andrew Hjulsager Vejle Boldklub | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #6 | Edenilson Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #7 | Daniel Johnson Fatih Karagümrük | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #8 | Matt Crooks Hull City | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #9 | Artem Favorov Puskás Akadémia FC | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #10 | Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro Hellas Verona | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #11 | Jay Fulton Swansea City | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #12 | Konstantinos Panagiotoudis PAE Chania | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #13 | Baldomero Perlaza Independiente Medellín | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #14 | Robin Lod Chicago Fire FC | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #15 | Morgan Sanson OGC Nice | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #16 | Sebastian Lletget Without Club | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #17 | Janik Haberer 1.FC Union Berlin | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #18 | Hamza Barry Al-Zulfi SFC | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #19 | Vladimír Darida FC Hradec Kralove | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
| #20 | Jonathan Ring Västerås SK | 30+ | 13.4% | 24.6% | -11.2% |
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: 7 immediate targets, 137 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 503 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 €550K. 0 undervalued, 111 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Benjamin Bourigeaud Al-Duhail SC | €5.0M | €800K | -1.33 | Good Value |
James Ward-Prowse Burnley FC | €6.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Will Hughes Crystal Palace | €6.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Matteo Pessina AC Monza | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Fran Beltrán Girona FC | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Joaquín Pereyra Minnesota United FC | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Conor Gallagher Tottenham Hotspur | €35.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jacob Ramsey Newcastle United | €35.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
İsak Vural Pisa Sporting Club | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Théo Hansen Hobro IK | €250K | €800K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Fred Fenerbahce | €7.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Mario Pašalić Atalanta BC | €7.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Josh Cullen Burnley FC | €7.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Harry Winks Leicester City | €7.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Sandi Lovrić Hellas Verona | €6.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Michael Folorunsho Cagliari Calcio | €6.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Amadou Haidara RC Lens | €6.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Will Smallbone Millwall FC | €5.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Hugo Magnetti Stade Brestois 29 | €6.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Han-Noah Massengo FC Augsburg | €5.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
