Best Defensive Midfielders in the Bundesliga (Mar 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Bundesliga Defensive Midfielders 2024-25
Our database tracked 38 Bundesliga Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 24 clubs with a combined market value of €299.3M. The average market value for Bundesliga Defensive Midfielders was €7.9M, with the average age at 26.9 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Bundesliga was Aleksandar Pavlovic, worth €55.0M and played for Bayern Munich at 21 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €36.0M in market value, including Angelo Stiller and Joshua Kimmich.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Niklas Swider (19 years, Borussia Mönchengladbach, €250K), while the oldest was Anthony Losilla (39 years, VfL Bochum, €500K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 18 Defensive Midfielders (47%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Bundesliga market for Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent 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 Bundesliga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Bundesliga Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 24 clubs with €299.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: Bundesliga Defensive Midfielders
The Bundesliga CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (13 players, 34% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €115.9M, averaging €8.9M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (7 players)
24-26 Years (13 players)
27-29 Years (5 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Defensive Midfielders (11% of players) control €165.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 3% of the Bundesliga CDM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Bundesliga Defensive Midfielders
Among 24 Bundesliga clubs, Bayern Munich leads with 2 Defensive Midfielders worth €100.0M (averaging €50.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 50% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Bayern Munich (2 Defensive Midfielders)
VfB Stuttgart (3 Defensive Midfielders)
1.FSV Mainz 05 (3 Defensive Midfielders)
VfL Wolfsburg (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.
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 21 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €65.6M
90.2
Angelo Stiller
VfB Stuttgart • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
88.8
Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich • 31 years old
€58.1M
€45.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €39.0M
88.2
Kaishu Sano
1.FSV Mainz 05 • 25 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.5M
74.4
Vini Souza
VfL Wolfsburg • 26 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.7M
70.3
Atakan Karazor
VfB Stuttgart • 29 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.6M
67.4
Patrick Osterhage
SC Freiburg • 26 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.8M
61.6
Robert Andrich
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 31 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
60.5
Senne Lynen
SV Werder Bremen • 27 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.3M
59.7
Ellyes Skhiri
Eintracht Frankfurt • 30 years old
€9.7M
€7.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.3M
58.0
Aljoscha Kemlein
1.FC Union Berlin • 21 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.0M
56.7
Kristijan Jakic
FC Augsburg • 28 years old
€6.9M
€6.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.7M
55.8
Eric Martel
1.FC Köln • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
55.6
Yannik Engelhardt
Borussia Mönchengladbach • 25 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.1M
55.6
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Red Bull Salzburg • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
54.9
Wouter Burger
TSG 1899 Hoffenheim • 25 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
51.9
Jon Gorenc Stankovic
SK Sturm Graz • 30 years old
€5.2M
€4.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.3M
49.7
Salih Özcan
Borussia Dortmund • 28 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
49.6
Lennard Maloney
1.FSV Mainz 05 • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
48.2
Yannik Keitel
VfB Stuttgart • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
48.2
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)
VfB Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 10.00×. That means Angelo Stiller is valued 10.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is 21 years old, with a 9.17× PPVE. Third is Kaishu Sano of 1.FSV Mainz 05, who is 25 years old with a 4.44× 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 10.00× means the player is worth 900% 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 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €4.5M | 10.00× |
| #2 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 21 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €6.0M | 9.17× |
| #3 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €4.5M | 4.44× |
| #4 | Yannik Engelhardt Borussia Mönchengladbach | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €4.5M | 1.33× |
| #5 | Aljoscha Kemlein 1.FC Union Berlin | 21 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €6.0M | 1.17× |
| #6 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | 19 | U21 | €250K | €250K | 1.00× |
| #7 | Wouter Burger TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 25 | 24-26 | €4.5M | €4.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Eric Martel 1.FC Köln | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Lucas Gourna-Douath Red Bull Salzburg | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Marwin Schmitz FC St. Pauli | 19 | U21 | €200K | €250K | 0.80× |
| #11 | James Sands FC St. Pauli | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €4.5M | 0.67× |
| #12 | Nicolai Remberg Hamburger SV | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €4.5M | 0.67× |
| #13 | Skelly Alvero SV Werder Bremen | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €6.0M | 0.42× |
| #14 | Julian Niehues 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €4.5M | 0.33× |
| #15 | Niklas Tauer 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 24-26 | €500K | €4.5M | 0.11× |
| #16 | Sadik Fofana Grazer AK 1902 | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €6.0M | 0.10× |
| #17 | Mahmut Kücüksahin FC Augsburg | 21 | 21-23 | €175K | €6.0M | 0.03× |
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)
FC St. Pauli's Marwin Schmitz at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Marwin Schmitz is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Borussia Mönchengladbach's Niklas Swider, who is 19 years old, with a +44% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Mahmut Kücüksahin of FC Augsburg, who is 21 years old with a +35% RPP (5 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 | Marwin Schmitz FC St. Pauli | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #2 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #3 | Mahmut Kücüksahin FC Augsburg | 21 | 5 | €175K | €270K | +35% |
| #4 | Aljoscha Kemlein 1.FC Union Berlin | 21 | 5 | €7.0M | €10.8M | +35% |
| #5 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 21 | 5 | €55.0M | €85.0M | +35% |
| #6 | Sadik Fofana Grazer AK 1902 | 22 | 4 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #7 | Lucas Gourna-Douath Red Bull Salzburg | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #8 | Skelly Alvero SV Werder Bremen | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.3M | +25% |
| #9 | Eric Martel 1.FC Köln | 23 | 3 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
| #10 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | 24 | 2 | €45.0M | €55.9M | +20% |
| #11 | Julian Niehues 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #12 | Wouter Burger TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | 25 | 1 | €4.5M | €5.2M | +14% |
| #13 | James Sands FC St. Pauli | 25 | 1 | €3.0M | €3.5M | +14% |
| #14 | Yannik Engelhardt Borussia Mönchengladbach | 25 | 1 | €6.0M | €6.9M | +14% |
| #15 | Niklas Tauer 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 1 | €500K | €578K | +14% |
| #16 | Nicolai Remberg Hamburger SV | 25 | 1 | €3.0M | €3.5M | +14% |
| #17 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 1 | €20.0M | €23.1M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Borussia Mönchengladbach's Niklas Swider has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Niklas Swider has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC St. Pauli's Marwin Schmitz with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Aleksandar Pavlovic of Bayern Munich with a 58.7 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Marwin Schmitz FC St. Pauli | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #4 | Mahmut Kücüksahin FC Augsburg | €201K | €173K-228K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Aljoscha Kemlein 1.FC Union Berlin | €8.0M | €6.9M-9.1M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | €50.1M | €44.1M-56.2M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #7 | Lucas Gourna-Douath Red Bull Salzburg | €6.6M | €5.8M-7.4M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #8 | Sadik Fofana Grazer AK 1902 | €662K | €582K-741K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #9 | Julian Niehues 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Eric Martel 1.FC Köln | €6.4M | €5.6M-7.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Skelly Alvero SV Werder Bremen | €2.6M | €2.3M-3.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Senne Lynen SV Werder Bremen | €9.3M | €8.2M-10.4M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #13 | Wouter Burger TSG 1899 Hoffenheim | €4.6M | €4.1M-5.2M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #14 | James Sands FC St. Pauli | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.4M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #15 | Yannik Engelhardt Borussia Mönchengladbach | €6.1M | €5.4M-6.9M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #16 | Nicolai Remberg Hamburger SV | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.4M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #17 | Niklas Tauer 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €512K | €451K-573K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #18 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €20.5M | €18.0M-22.9M | +2% | 9.8 |
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)
1.FC Köln's Eric Martel in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +7.4%. That means Aleksandar Pavlovic captures 25.8% of total market value while representing only 18.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Red Bull Salzburg's Lucas Gourna-Douath with a +7.4% ASC (25.8% value share vs 18.4% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Sadik Fofana of Grazer AK 1902 with a +7.4% ASC (25.8% value vs 18.4% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +7.4% ASC means the player captures 7.4% 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 | Eric Martel 1.FC Köln | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #2 | Lucas Gourna-Douath Red Bull Salzburg | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #3 | Sadik Fofana Grazer AK 1902 | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #4 | Aljoscha Kemlein 1.FC Union Berlin | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #5 | Mahmut Kücüksahin FC Augsburg | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #6 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #7 | Skelly Alvero SV Werder Bremen | 21-23 | 25.8% | 18.4% | +7.4% |
| #8 | Jonas Meffert Hamburger SV | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #9 | Anthony Losilla VfL Bochum | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #10 | Lukas Jäger SCR Altach | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #11 | Rani Khedira 1.FC Union Berlin | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #12 | Robert Andrich Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #13 | Joshua Kimmich Bayern Munich | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #14 | Jon Gorenc Stankovic SK Sturm Graz | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #15 | Ellyes Skhiri Eintracht Frankfurt | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #16 | Norman Theuerkauf 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #17 | Nicolas Höfler SC Freiburg | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #18 | Simon Piesinger Wolfsberger AC | 30+ | 23.6% | 28.9% | -5.3% |
| #19 | Marwin Schmitz FC St. Pauli | U21 | 0.2% | 5.3% | -5.1% |
| #20 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | U21 | 0.2% | 5.3% | -5.1% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 8 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 15 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 €300K. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tobias Børkeeiet Rapid Vienna | €400K | €3.5M | -1.30 | Good Value |
Niklas Tauer 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €500K | €3.5M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Marwin Schmitz FC St. Pauli | €200K | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Niklas Dorsch 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €3.5M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ellyes Skhiri Eintracht Frankfurt | €7.5M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yannik Engelhardt Borussia Mönchengladbach | €6.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Vini Souza VfL Wolfsburg | €15.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Julian Niehues 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €1.5M | €3.5M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Kristijan Jakic FC Augsburg | €6.5M | €3.5M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Mahmut Kücüksahin FC Augsburg | €175K | €3.5M | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Norman Theuerkauf 1.FC Heidenheim 1846 | €175K | €3.5M | -0.15 | Fair Value |
Lukas Jäger SCR Altach | €200K | €3.5M | -0.14 | Fair Value |
Simon Piesinger Wolfsberger AC | €300K | €3.5M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €250K | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Anthony Losilla VfL Bochum | €500K | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Robert Andrich Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €9.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joshua Kimmich Bayern Munich | €45.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Salih Özcan Borussia Dortmund | €4.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Senne Lynen SV Werder Bremen | €9.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
James Sands FC St. Pauli | €3.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |