Best Attacking Midfielders in the Championship (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Championship Attacking Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 33 Championship Attacking Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 26 clubs with a combined market value of €79.2M. The average market value for Championship Attacking Midfielders was €2.4M, with the average age at 26.5 years old.
The most valuable attacking midfielder in the Championship was Aaron Ramsey, worth €10.0M and played for Leicester City at 23 years old. The top 5 Attacking Midfielders averaged €7.2M in market value, including Sammie Szmodics and Scott Twine.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked attacking midfielder was Oscar Schwartau (19 years, Norwich City, €3.0M), while the oldest was Andreas Weimann (34 years, Derby County, €500K). Research shows Attacking Midfielders typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 16 Attacking Midfielders (48%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Championship market for Attacking Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent 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 Championship
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Championship Attacking Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 26 clubs with €79.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Attacking Midfielders
The Championship CAM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (11 players, 33% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €31.3M, averaging €3.1M per player.
Top Attacking Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (10 players)
27-29 Years (3 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Attacking Midfielders (12% of players) control €31.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 15% of the Championship CAM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Attacking Midfielders
Among 26 Championship clubs, Leicester City leads with 1 Attacking Midfielders worth €10.0M (averaging €10.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 42% of tracked Attacking Midfielders.
Leicester City (1 Attacking Midfielders)
Birmingham City (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Ipswich Town (1 Attacking Midfielders)
Bristol City (1 Attacking Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Aaron Ramsey
Leicester City • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.3
Sammie Szmodics
Ipswich Town • 30 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
57.3
Scott Twine
Bristol City • 26 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.2M
57.2
Kanya Fujimoto
Birmingham City • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.4
Tahith Chong
Sheffield United • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.4
Giorgi Chakvetadze
Watford FC • 26 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
50.1
Filip Krastev
Oxford United • 24 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.6
Alfie Devine
Preston North End • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Willum Thór Willumsson
Birmingham City • 27 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
48.7
Todd Cantwell
Blackburn Rovers • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.0M
47.1
Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen
Preston North End • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.1
Oscar Schwartau
Norwich City • 19 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
40.4
Kuryu Matsuki
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€2.1M
€2.4M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.5M
39.5
Karamoko Dembélé
Queens Park Rangers • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
John Swift
Portsmouth FC • 30 years old
€2.3M
€1.8M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.5M
35.3
Harvey Vale
Queens Park Rangers • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
33.7
Jamie Donley
Stoke City • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.1
Emiliano Marcondes
Norwich City • 31 years old
€1.3M
€1.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €825K
28.2
Luke Harris
Oxford United • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.1
Kasey Palmer
Hull City • 29 years old
€1.3M
€1.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €825K
28.1
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)
Oxford United's Filip Krastev at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 13.33×. That means Filip Krastev is valued 13.33× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Leicester City's Aaron Ramsey, who is 23 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Alfie Devine of Preston North End, who is 21 years old with a 2.00× 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 13.33× means the player is worth 1233% 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 | Filip Krastev Oxford United | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €300K | 13.33× |
| #2 | Aaron Ramsey Leicester City | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €2.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | Alfie Devine Preston North End | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #4 | Alex Gilbert Middlesbrough FC | 24 | 24-26 | €500K | €300K | 1.67× |
| #5 | Kuryu Matsuki Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €2.4M | €2.0M | 1.20× |
| #6 | Karamoko Dembélé Queens Park Rangers | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Noah Chilvers Ross County FC | 25 | 24-26 | €300K | €300K | 1.00× |
| #8 | Oisin Smyth Partick Thistle FC | 25 | 24-26 | €300K | €300K | 1.00× |
| #9 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | 19 | U21 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Harvey Vale Queens Park Rangers | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #11 | Jamie Donley Stoke City | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #12 | Grant Savoury Queen's Park FC | 25 | 24-26 | €200K | €300K | 0.67× |
| #13 | Luke Harris Oxford United | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.50× |
| #14 | Chris Mochrie Airdrieonians FC | 23 | 21-23 | €125K | €2.0M | 0.06× |
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)
Norwich City's Oscar Schwartau at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Oscar Schwartau is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Preston North End's Alfie Devine, who is 21 years old, with a +30% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Luke Harris of Oxford United, who is 21 years old with a +30% 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #2 | Alfie Devine Preston North End | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #3 | Luke Harris Oxford United | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #4 | Jamie Donley Stoke City | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #5 | Kuryu Matsuki Southampton FC | 22 | 4 | €2.4M | €3.2M | +25% |
| #6 | Harvey Vale Queens Park Rangers | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #7 | Aaron Ramsey Leicester City | 23 | 3 | €10.0M | €12.4M | +20% |
| #8 | Karamoko Dembélé Queens Park Rangers | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #9 | Chris Mochrie Airdrieonians FC | 23 | 3 | €125K | €155K | +20% |
| #10 | Filip Krastev Oxford United | 24 | 2 | €4.0M | €4.6M | +14% |
| #11 | Alex Gilbert Middlesbrough FC | 24 | 2 | €500K | €578K | +14% |
| #12 | Noah Chilvers Ross County FC | 25 | 1 | €300K | €323K | +7% |
| #13 | Oisin Smyth Partick Thistle FC | 25 | 1 | €300K | €323K | +7% |
| #14 | Grant Savoury Queen's Park FC | 25 | 1 | €200K | €215K | +7% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Norwich City's Oscar Schwartau has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.4. That means Oscar Schwartau has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Stoke City's Jamie Donley with a 26.9 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Alfie Devine of Preston North End with a 26.9 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 46.4 means the upside is 46.4× 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 | Oscar Schwartau Norwich City | €3.6M | €3.0M-4.2M | +19% | 46.4 |
| #2 | Jamie Donley Stoke City | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 26.9 |
| #3 | Alfie Devine Preston North End | €4.4M | €3.6M-5.2M | +10% | 26.9 |
| #4 | Luke Harris Oxford United | €1.1M | €912K-1.3M | +10% | 26.9 |
| #5 | Karamoko Dembélé Queens Park Rangers | €2.1M | €1.8M-2.5M | +7% | 22.0 |
| #6 | Chris Mochrie Airdrieonians FC | €134K | €114K-154K | +7% | 22.0 |
| #7 | Aaron Ramsey Leicester City | €10.7M | €9.1M-12.3M | +7% | 22.0 |
| #8 | Kuryu Matsuki Southampton FC | €2.5M | €2.2M-2.9M | +6% | 18.4 |
| #9 | Harvey Vale Queens Park Rangers | €1.6M | €1.3M-1.8M | +6% | 18.4 |
| #10 | Tahith Chong Sheffield United | €5.1M | €4.4M-5.9M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #11 | Kanya Fujimoto Birmingham City | €5.1M | €4.4M-5.9M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #12 | Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen Preston North End | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #13 | Giorgi Chakvetadze Watford FC | €4.6M | €3.9M-5.3M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #14 | Scott Twine Bristol City | €8.2M | €7.0M-9.5M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #15 | Filip Krastev Oxford United | €4.1M | €3.5M-4.7M | +2% | 7.8 |
| #16 | Alex Gilbert Middlesbrough FC | €512K | €435K-589K | +2% | 7.8 |
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: attacking 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)
Without Club's Lucas Andersen in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-15.9%. That means Sammie Szmodics captures 17.5% of total market value while representing only 33.3% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Ross County FC's Scott Fraser with a +-15.9% ASC (17.5% value share vs 33.3% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is John Swift of Portsmouth FC with a +-15.9% ASC (17.5% value vs 33.3% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-15.9% ASC means the player captures -15.9% 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 | Lucas Andersen Without Club | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #2 | Scott Fraser Ross County FC | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #3 | John Swift Portsmouth FC | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #4 | Elliot Lee Wrexham AFC | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #5 | Emiliano Marcondes Norwich City | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #6 | Seung-woo Ryu Garudayaksa FC | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #7 | Josh Windass Wrexham AFC | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #8 | Sammie Szmodics Ipswich Town | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #9 | Barata PSMS Medan | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #10 | Andreas Weimann Derby County | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #11 | Jonathan Bustos Persela Lamongan | 30+ | 17.5% | 33.3% | -15.9% |
| #12 | Tahith Chong Sheffield United | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #13 | Giorgi Chakvetadze Watford FC | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #14 | Kanya Fujimoto Birmingham City | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #15 | Scott Twine Bristol City | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #16 | Grant Savoury Queen's Park FC | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #17 | Filip Krastev Oxford United | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #18 | Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen Preston North End | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #19 | Alex Gilbert Middlesbrough FC | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
| #20 | Noah Chilvers Ross County FC | 24-26 | 39.5% | 30.3% | +9.2% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 8 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 12 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 €200K. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chris Mochrie Airdrieonians FC | €125K | €1.5M | -0.98 | Good Value |
Kasey Palmer Hull City | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Barata PSMS Medan | €150K | €1.5M | -0.78 | Good Value |
Seung-woo Ryu Garudayaksa FC | €200K | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Scott Fraser Ross County FC | €250K | €1.5M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Jonathan Bustos Persela Lamongan | €275K | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Luke Harris Oxford United | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Lucas Andersen Without Club | €350K | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Grant Savoury Queen's Park FC | €200K | €1.5M | -0.08 | Fair Value |
Noah Chilvers Ross County FC | €300K | €1.5M | -0.05 | Fair Value |
Oisin Smyth Partick Thistle FC | €300K | €1.5M | -0.05 | Fair Value |
Sammie Szmodics Ipswich Town | €8.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Todd Cantwell Blackburn Rovers | €3.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tahith Chong Sheffield United | €5.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Kanya Fujimoto Birmingham City | €5.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Andreas Weimann Derby County | €500K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Alex Gilbert Middlesbrough FC | €500K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Harvey Vale Queens Park Rangers | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Aaron Ramsey Leicester City | €10.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jamie Donley Stoke City | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |