Best Midfielders in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 999 World Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 668 clubs with a combined market value of €2.4B. The average market value for World Midfielders was €2.4M, with the average age at 28.3 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the World was Nicolò Barella, worth €60.0M and played for Inter Milan at 29 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €46.0M in market value, including Frenkie de Jong and Scott McTominay.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years, LOSC Lille, €40.0M), while the oldest was Luka Modrić (40 years, AC Milan, €4.0M). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 247 Midfielders (25%) 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 668 clubs with €2.4B combined value.
Age Distribution: World Midfielders
The World CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (427 players, 43% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €885.9M, averaging €3.2M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (37 players)
21-23 Years (112 players)
24-26 Years (146 players)
27-29 Years (277 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Midfielders (10% of players) control €1.4B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 0% of the World CM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Midfielders
Among 668 World clubs, Inter Milan leads with 3 Midfielders worth €73.5M (averaging €24.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 2% of tracked Midfielders.
Inter Milan (3 Midfielders)
SSC Napoli (2 Midfielders)
Sunderland AFC (2 Midfielders)
Aston Villa (3 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Nicolò Barella
Inter Milan • 29 years old
€77.5M
€60.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €51.8M
90.1
Frenkie de Jong
FC Barcelona • 29 years old
€58.1M
€45.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €38.8M
76.3
Scott McTominay
SSC Napoli • 29 years old
€58.1M
€45.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €38.8M
76.1
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
Andrey Santos
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.1M
69.8
Youri Tielemans
Aston Villa • 29 years old
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €30.2M
65.5
Habib Diarra
Sunderland AFC • 22 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
61.6
Mikel Merino
Arsenal FC • 29 years old
€38.7M
€30.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €24.9M
56.7
Joelinton
Newcastle United • 29 years old
€38.7M
€30.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €24.9M
56.5
Mikel Jauregizar
Athletic Bilbao • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
56.0
Frank Anguissa
SSC Napoli • 30 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.7M
52.6
Rodrigo Bentancur
Tottenham Hotspur • 28 years old
€34.9M
€27.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €23.6M
52.1
Noah Sadiki
Sunderland AFC • 21 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
50.9
Christos Mouzakitis
Olympiacos Piraeus • 19 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.8M
50.8
Adrien Rabiot
AC Milan • 31 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €16.6M
48.0
Weston McKennie
Juventus FC • 27 years old
€23.3M
€22.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €19.3M
46.4
Sergi Altimira
Real Betis Balompié • 24 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.5M
45.4
Matvey Kislyak
CSKA Moscow • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
45.1
Aleix García
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 28 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €17.5M
45.1
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)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi at 18 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 61.54×. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi is valued 61.54× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Chelsea FC's Andrey Santos, who is 22 years old, with a 57.14× PPVE. Third is Habib Diarra of Sunderland AFC, who is 22 years old with a 45.71× 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 61.54× means the player is worth 6054% 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | U21 | €40.0M | €650K | 61.54× |
| #2 | Andrey Santos Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #3 | Habib Diarra Sunderland AFC | 22 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €700K | 45.71× |
| #4 | Mikel Jauregizar Athletic Bilbao | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #5 | Christos Mouzakitis Olympiacos Piraeus | 19 | U21 | €25.0M | €650K | 38.46× |
| #6 | Noah Sadiki Sunderland AFC | 21 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €700K | 35.71× |
| #7 | Matvey Kislyak CSKA Moscow | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €650K | 30.77× |
| #8 | Sergi Altimira Real Betis Balompié | 24 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #9 | Valentin Atangana Al-Ahli SFC | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €650K | 23.08× |
| #10 | Beñat Prados Athletic Bilbao | 25 | 24-26 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #11 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #12 | Arthur Atta Udinese Calcio | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #13 | Luka Sucic Real Sociedad | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #14 | Marlon Gomes Shakhtar Donetsk | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #15 | Juan Ignacio Nardoni Racing Club | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #16 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €700K | 12.86× |
| #17 | Mathias Delorge KAA Gent | 21 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €700K | 12.86× |
| #18 | Samir El Mourabet RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €650K | 12.31× |
| #19 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €650K | 12.31× |
| #20 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
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)
Wisla Plock's Dominik Sarapata at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Dominik Sarapata is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Porto U19's Bernardo Lima, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Máximo Carrizo of New York City 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 | Dominik Sarapata Wisla Plock | 18 | 8 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #2 | Bernardo Lima FC Porto U19 | 18 | 8 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #3 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #4 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €40.0M | €71.5M | +44% |
| #5 | Youssef Hamdaoui Royal Antwerp FC | 18 | 8 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #6 | Federico Coletta SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #7 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #8 | Hunor Németh MTK Budapest | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #9 | Valdemar Møller Aalborg BK | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #10 | Rocco Di Vico US Salernitana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #11 | Yaroslav Shevchenko Kryvbas Kryvyi Rig | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #12 | Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #13 | Christos Mouzakitis Olympiacos Piraeus | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #14 | Tiago Freitas SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €550K | €914K | +40% |
| #15 | Kirill Simonov Fakel Voronezh | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #16 | Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #17 | Jhojan Arce CA Nacional Potosí | 20 | 6 | €375K | €580K | +35% |
| #18 | João Teixeira FC Porto B | 20 | 6 | €750K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #19 | Laurits Pedersen Randers FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #20 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +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 Wisla Plock's Dominik Sarapata with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Youssef Hamdaoui of Royal Antwerp 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 | Dominik Sarapata Wisla Plock | €3.7M | €3.2M-4.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Youssef Hamdaoui Royal Antwerp FC | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Bernardo Lima FC Porto U19 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Valdemar Møller Aalborg BK | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Federico Coletta SL Benfica B | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Hunor Németh MTK Budapest | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Rocco Di Vico US Salernitana 1919 | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Tiago Freitas SL Benfica B | €655K | €565K-745K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Yaroslav Shevchenko Kryvbas Kryvyi Rig | €476K | €411K-542K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Christos Mouzakitis Olympiacos Piraeus | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Viktor Tsukanov Shakhtar Donetsk | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Ian Wisdom Club Sporting Cristal | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Samir El Mourabet RC Strasbourg Alsace | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Mohamed Cherif Haidara Sönderjyske Fodbold | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Tomás Moreira SL Benfica B | €516K | €445K-587K | +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)
AC Monza's Pedro Obiang in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-11.9%. That means Fabián Ruiz captures 30.9% of total market value while representing only 42.7% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Al-Duhail SC's Marco Verratti with a +-11.9% ASC (30.9% value share vs 42.7% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is of Unknown Club with a +-11.9% ASC (30.9% value vs 42.7% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-11.9% ASC means the player captures -11.9% 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 | Pedro Obiang AC Monza | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #2 | Marco Verratti Al-Duhail SC | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #3 | Unknown Club | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #4 | Marcel Sabitzer Borussia Dortmund | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #5 | Mehdi Abeid Without Club | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #6 | Roberto Pereyra AEK Athens | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #7 | Sérgio Oliveira Sport Club do Recife | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #8 | Simon Thern IFK Värnamo | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #9 | Maximilian Arnold VfL Wolfsburg | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #10 | Jordan Ferri UC Sampdoria | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #11 | Alessandro Schöpf Wolfsberger AC | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #12 | Axel Borgmann FC Energie Cottbus | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #13 | Yannick Gerhardt VfL Wolfsburg | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #14 | Misael Dávila Deportes Concepción | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #15 | Marvin Wanitzek Karlsruher SC | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #16 | José Campaña AD Ceuta FC | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #17 | Ahmad Benali Virtus Entella | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #18 | Héctor Herrera Houston Dynamo FC | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #19 | Paul Pogba AS Monaco | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
| #20 | Adam Maher Without Club | 30+ | 30.9% | 42.7% | -11.9% |
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: 14 immediate targets, 135 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 307 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, 118 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
İsak Vural Pisa Sporting Club | €5.0M | €700K | -1.50 | Good Value |
Caleb Yirenkyi FC Nordsjaelland | €6.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Joe Willock Newcastle United | €16.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Wendel Zenit St. Petersburg | €15.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Cher Ndour ACF Fiorentina | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Kamiel Van De Perre Union Saint-Gilloise | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Yassine Titraoui Royal Charleroi SC | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Matteo Pessina AC Monza | €5.0M | €700K | -0.70 | Good Value |
Paul Pogba AS Monaco | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Ross Barkley Aston Villa | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Benjamin Bourigeaud Al-Duhail SC | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Gustavo Hamer Sheffield United | €16.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Rocco Di Vico US Salernitana 1919 | €250K | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | €250K | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Théo Hansen Hobro IK | €250K | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | €6.0M | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Israel Isaac Ayuma NK Istra 1961 | €300K | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Valdemar Møller Aalborg BK | €300K | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
