Best Defensive Midfielders in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Defensive Midfielders 2024-25
Our database tracked 40 Championship Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 22 clubs with a combined market value of €118.8M. The average market value for Championship Defensive Midfielders was €3.0M, with the average age at 26 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Championship was Shea Charles, worth €12.0M and played for Southampton FC at 22 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €10.1M in market value, including Flynn Downes and Azor Matusiwa.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Yunus Konak (20 years, Oxford United, €4.5M), while the oldest was Steven Nzonzi (37 years, Stoke City, €500K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 20 Defensive Midfielders (50%) 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 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 Championship
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Championship Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 22 clubs with €118.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Defensive Midfielders
The Championship CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (13 players, 33% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €50.4M, averaging €3.9M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (6 players)
24-26 Years (11 players)
27-29 Years (13 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €43.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 23% of the Championship CDM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Defensive Midfielders
Among 22 Championship clubs, Southampton FC leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €24.7M (averaging €8.2M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 57% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Southampton FC (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Ipswich Town (2 Defensive Midfielders)
Leicester City (2 Defensive Midfielders)
Hull City (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Shea Charles
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.3
Flynn Downes
Southampton FC • 27 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.4M
66.7
Azor Matusiwa
Ipswich Town • 28 years old
€11.6M
€11.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €9.7M
65.8
Jens Cajuste
Ipswich Town • 26 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.8M
58.4
Ben Sheaf
Wrexham AFC • 28 years old
€7.9M
€7.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €6.6M
57.3
Oliver Skipp
Leicester City • 25 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.2M
57.2
Mirko Topić
Norwich City • 25 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.9
Toby Collyer
Hull City • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
52.6
Hamza Choudhury
Leicester City • 28 years old
€5.3M
€5.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €4.4M
52.2
Matt Grimes
Coventry City • 30 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.8M
51.2
Yunus Konak
Oxford United • 20 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
50.4
Amir Hadziahmetovic
Hull City • 29 years old
€5.4M
€4.2M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.7M
50.1
Brian De Keersmaecker
Oxford United • 26 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.4
Sam Field
Queens Park Rangers • 28 years old
€3.2M
€3.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €2.6M
42.1
Tomoki Iwata
Birmingham City • 29 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
40.0
Casper De Norre
Millwall FC • 29 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
40.0
Jacob Wright
Norwich City • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
39.4
Taylor Gardner-Hickman
Blackburn Rovers • 24 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
38.2
Sidnei Tavares
Blackburn Rovers • 24 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
38.2
John Lundstram
Hull City • 32 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.7
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)
Southampton FC's Shea Charles at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 8.00×. That means Shea Charles is valued 8.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Leicester City's Oliver Skipp, who is 25 years old, with a 3.50× PPVE. Third is Toby Collyer of Hull City, who is 22 years old with a 3.33× 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 8.00× means the player is worth 700% 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 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #2 | Oliver Skipp Leicester City | 25 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €2.0M | 3.50× |
| #3 | Toby Collyer Hull City | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.5M | 3.33× |
| #4 | Mirko Topić Norwich City | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #5 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | 20 | U21 | €4.5M | €2.5M | 1.80× |
| #6 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Sidnei Tavares Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Taylor Gardner-Hickman Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Jonathan Varane Queens Park Rangers | 24 | 24-26 | €1.4M | €2.0M | 0.70× |
| #11 | David Ozoh Derby County | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.67× |
| #12 | Jamie McDonnell Oxford United | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €1.5M | 0.20× |
| #13 | Ben Stanway Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 21-23 | €200K | €1.5M | 0.13× |
| #14 | Víctor Griffith St. Johnstone FC | 25 | 24-26 | €200K | €2.0M | 0.10× |
| #15 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | 20 | U21 | €250K | €2.5M | 0.10× |
| #16 | Chris Hamilton Dunfermline Athletic FC | 24 | 24-26 | €150K | €2.0M | 0.07× |
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)
Oxford United's Yunus Konak at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Yunus Konak is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is St. Johnstone FC's Aaron Essel, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Jacob Wright of Norwich City, who is 20 years old with a +40% RPP (6 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 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
| #2 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #3 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #4 | David Ozoh Derby County | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #5 | Ben Stanway Partick Thistle FC | 21 | 5 | €200K | €309K | +35% |
| #6 | Toby Collyer Hull City | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #7 | Jamie McDonnell Oxford United | 22 | 4 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #8 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 4 | €12.0M | €17.2M | +30% |
| #9 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #10 | Jonathan Varane Queens Park Rangers | 24 | 2 | €1.4M | €1.7M | +20% |
| #11 | Chris Hamilton Dunfermline Athletic FC | 24 | 2 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #12 | Sidnei Tavares Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #13 | Taylor Gardner-Hickman Blackburn Rovers | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #14 | Oliver Skipp Leicester City | 25 | 1 | €7.0M | €8.1M | +14% |
| #15 | Mirko Topić Norwich City | 25 | 1 | €5.0M | €5.8M | +14% |
| #16 | Víctor Griffith St. Johnstone FC | 25 | 1 | €200K | €231K | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
St. Johnstone FC's Aaron Essel has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Aaron Essel has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Norwich City's Jacob Wright with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Yunus Konak of Oxford United with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Jacob Wright Norwich City | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | €5.4M | €4.6M-6.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | David Ozoh Derby County | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Ben Stanway Partick Thistle FC | €229K | €198K-261K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | €13.2M | €11.6M-14.8M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #7 | Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.5M | €4.9M-6.2M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #8 | Jamie McDonnell Oxford United | €331K | €291K-370K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #9 | Sidnei Tavares Blackburn Rovers | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Taylor Gardner-Hickman Blackburn Rovers | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Chris Hamilton Dunfermline Athletic FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Jonathan Varane Queens Park Rangers | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Cammy MacPherson Greenock Morton FC | €154K | €136K-173K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #15 | Iain Wilson Greenock Morton FC | €129K | €113K-144K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #16 | Jonathan Svedberg St. Johnstone FC | €257K | €227K-288K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #17 | Flynn Downes Southampton FC | €12.4M | €10.9M-13.8M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #18 | Oliver Skipp Leicester City | €7.2M | €6.3M-8.0M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #19 | Víctor Griffith St. Johnstone FC | €205K | €180K-229K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #20 | Mirko Topić Norwich City | €5.1M | €4.5M-5.7M | +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)
Sheffield United's Jaïro Riedewald in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +9.9%. That means Flynn Downes captures 42.4% of total market value while representing only 32.5% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Wrexham AFC's George Dobson with a +9.9% ASC (42.4% value share vs 32.5% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Casper De Norre of Millwall FC with a +9.9% ASC (42.4% value vs 32.5% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +9.9% ASC means the player captures 9.9% 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 | Jaïro Riedewald Sheffield United | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #2 | George Dobson Wrexham AFC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #3 | Casper De Norre Millwall FC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #4 | Amir Hadziahmetovic Hull City | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #5 | Ben Sheaf Wrexham AFC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #6 | Azor Matusiwa Ipswich Town | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #7 | Hamza Choudhury Leicester City | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #8 | Tomoki Iwata Birmingham City | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #9 | Iain Wilson Greenock Morton FC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #10 | Sam Field Queens Park Rangers | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #11 | Cammy MacPherson Greenock Morton FC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #12 | Jonathan Svedberg St. Johnstone FC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #13 | Flynn Downes Southampton FC | 27-29 | 42.4% | 32.5% | +9.9% |
| #14 | Nampalys Mendy Watford FC | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
| #15 | Nathaniel Chalobah Sheffield Wednesday | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
| #16 | John Lundstram Hull City | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
| #17 | Isaac Hayden Queens Park Rangers | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
| #18 | Matt Grimes Coventry City | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
| #19 | Oriol Romeu Southampton FC | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
| #20 | Steven Nzonzi Stoke City | 30+ | 8.6% | 17.5% | -8.9% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 10 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 16 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 €1.0M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hamza Choudhury Leicester City | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.33 | Good Value |
Chris Hamilton Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €2.0M | -1.03 | Good Value |
Alfonso Amade Dunfermline Athletic FC | €200K | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Víctor Griffith St. Johnstone FC | €200K | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ben Sheaf Wrexham AFC | €7.5M | €2.0M | -0.78 | Good Value |
Ben Stanway Partick Thistle FC | €200K | €2.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Mirko Topić Norwich City | €5.0M | €2.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Jamie McDonnell Oxford United | €300K | €2.0M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | €250K | €2.0M | -0.53 | Good Value |
Iain Wilson Greenock Morton FC | €125K | €2.0M | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Cammy MacPherson Greenock Morton FC | €150K | €2.0M | -0.47 | Fair Value |
Jonathan Svedberg St. Johnstone FC | €250K | €2.0M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Jonathan Varane Queens Park Rangers | €1.4M | €2.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Steven Nzonzi Stoke City | €500K | €2.0M | -0.14 | Fair Value |
George Dobson Wrexham AFC | €1.0M | €2.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Isaac Hayden Queens Park Rangers | €600K | €2.0M | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Nathaniel Chalobah Sheffield Wednesday | €700K | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jaïro Riedewald Sheffield United | €1.2M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Azor Matusiwa Ipswich Town | €11.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |