Best Centre-Backs in the Eredivisie (Mar 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Eredivisie Centre-Backs 2023-24
Our database tracked 68 Eredivisie Centre-Backs in the 2023-24 season, representing 19 clubs with a combined market value of €208.4M. The average market value for Eredivisie Centre-Backs was €3.1M, with the average age at 25.9 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the Eredivisie was Ryan Flamingo, worth €20.0M and played for PSV Eindhoven at 23 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €17.4M in market value, including Josip Sutalo and Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Marvin Young (20 years, Sparta Rotterdam, €4.0M), while the oldest was Nick Viergever (36 years, FC Utrecht, €400K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 40 Centre-Backs (59%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Eredivisie market for Centre-Backs 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 Eredivisie
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Eredivisie Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 19 clubs with €208.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Centre-Backs
The Eredivisie CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (21 players, 31% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €80.3M, averaging €3.8M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (21 players)
24-26 Years (17 players)
27-29 Years (9 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 7 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €107.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 6% of the Eredivisie CB pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Centre-Backs
Among 19 Eredivisie clubs, Ajax Amsterdam leads with 3 Centre-Backs worth €49.0M (averaging €16.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 60% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Ajax Amsterdam (3 Centre-Backs)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (5 Centre-Backs)
PSV Eindhoven (4 Centre-Backs)
AZ Alkmaar (4 Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ryan Flamingo
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
73.7
Josip Sutalo
Ajax Amsterdam • 26 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.7M
73.5
Anel Ahmedhodzic
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.5M
71.0
Youri Baas
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
69.5
Ko Itakura
Ajax Amsterdam • 29 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.9M
66.3
Wouter Goes
AZ Alkmaar • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
60.3
Yarek Gasiorowski
PSV Eindhoven • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
60.3
Alexandre Penetra
AZ Alkmaar • 24 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.2M
59.7
Tsuyoshi Watanabe
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 29 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
59.1
Thomas Beelen
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 24 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.2M
58.2
Ahmetcan Kaplan
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
52.9
Mees Hilgers
Twente Enschede FC • 24 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.4
Adamo Nagalo
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Marvin Young
Sparta Rotterdam • 20 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
48.3
Nikolai Hopland
SC Heerenveen • 21 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
41.7
Armando Obispo
PSV Eindhoven • 26 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
41.5
Max Bruns
Twente Enschede FC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Gernot Trauner
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 33 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
40.0
Pawel Bochniewicz
SC Heerenveen • 30 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.1M
39.7
Thijmen Blokzijl
FC Groningen • 21 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.4
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)
PSV Eindhoven's Ryan Flamingo at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 16.67×. That means Ryan Flamingo is valued 16.67× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Ajax Amsterdam's Youri Baas, who is 22 years old, with a 12.50× PPVE. Third is Wouter Goes of AZ Alkmaar, who is 21 years old with a 8.33× 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 16.67× means the player is worth 1567% 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 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.2M | 16.67× |
| #2 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.2M | 12.50× |
| #3 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.2M | 8.33× |
| #4 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.2M | 8.33× |
| #5 | Alexandre Penetra AZ Alkmaar | 24 | 24-26 | €9.0M | €1.3M | 6.92× |
| #6 | Thomas Beelen Feyenoord Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €1.3M | 6.15× |
| #7 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.2M | 4.17× |
| #8 | Mees Hilgers Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €1.3M | 3.85× |
| #9 | Adamo Nagalo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.2M | 3.33× |
| #10 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.2M | 2.50× |
| #11 | Max Bruns Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.2M | 2.08× |
| #12 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.2M | 2.08× |
| #13 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | 20 | U21 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #14 | Mike Eerdhuijzen FC Utrecht | 25 | 24-26 | €2.3M | €1.3M | 1.77× |
| #15 | Leo Greiml NAC Breda | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €1.3M | 1.54× |
| #16 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.2M | 1.25× |
| #17 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #18 | Shawn Adewoye Fortuna Sittard | 25 | 24-26 | €1.3M | €1.3M | 1.00× |
| #19 | Ivan Mesik Heracles Almelo | 24 | 24-26 | €1.3M | €1.3M | 1.00× |
| #20 | Xavier Mbuyamba FC Volendam | 24 | 24-26 | €1.3M | €1.3M | 1.00× |
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)
Feyenoord Rotterdam's Malcolm Jeng at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Marvin Young is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Groningen's Dies Janse, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Marvin Young of Sparta Rotterdam, who is 20 years old with a +35% 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 35% RPP means the player is expected to gain 35% 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 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #2 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #3 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.2M | +35% |
| #4 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €200K | €309K | +35% |
| #5 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #6 | Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #7 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 5 | €10.0M | €14.4M | +30% |
| #8 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21 | 5 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #9 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 5 | €10.0M | €14.4M | +30% |
| #10 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #11 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €15.0M | €20.1M | +25% |
| #12 | Brayann Pereira NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #13 | Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | 22 | 4 | €600K | €802K | +25% |
| #14 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | 22 | 4 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #15 | Stav Lemkin Twente Enschede FC | 22 | 4 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #16 | Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | 22 | 4 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #17 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #18 | Lewis Schouten Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #19 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #20 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 3 | €20.0M | €24.9M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Feyenoord Rotterdam's Malcolm Jeng has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Marvin Young has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Groningen's Dies Janse with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Marvin Young of Sparta Rotterdam with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 46.3 means the upside is 46.3× 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 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | €172K | €148K-196K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | €229K | €198K-261K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | €11.0M | €9.5M-12.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | €11.0M | €9.5M-12.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Silvinho Esajas FC Volendam | €268K | €236K-300K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Adamo Nagalo PSV Eindhoven | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Hristiyan Petrov SC Heerenveen | €642K | €565K-719K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | €21.4M | €18.8M-24.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Max Bruns Twente Enschede FC | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | €5.4M | €4.7M-6.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | €428K | €377K-480K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | €635K | €559K-711K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | €318K | €279K-356K | +6% | 23.0 |
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: centre-back 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)
NEC Nijmegen's Bram Nuytinck in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-17.4%. That means Gernot Trauner captures 6.1% of total market value while representing only 23.5% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sparta Rotterdam's Bruno Martins Indi with a +-17.4% ASC (6.1% value share vs 23.5% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Marvin Peersman of FC Groningen with a +-17.4% ASC (6.1% value vs 23.5% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-17.4% ASC means the player captures -17.4% 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 | Bram Nuytinck NEC Nijmegen | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #2 | Bruno Martins Indi Sparta Rotterdam | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #3 | Marvin Peersman FC Groningen | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #4 | Jetro Willems NEC Nijmegen | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #5 | Terence Kongolo NAC Breda | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #6 | Mike te Wierik Heracles Almelo | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #7 | Mawouna Amevor FC Volendam | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #8 | Mike van der Hoorn FC Utrecht | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #9 | Robin Pröpper Twente Enschede FC | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #10 | Pawel Bochniewicz SC Heerenveen | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #11 | Danny Bakker SC Telstar | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #12 | Iván Márquez Fortuna Sittard | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #13 | Redouan El Yaakoubi Without Club | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #14 | Gernot Trauner Feyenoord Rotterdam | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #15 | Gerrit Nauber Go Ahead Eagles | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #16 | Nick Viergever FC Utrecht | 30+ | 6.1% | 23.5% | -17.4% |
| #17 | Armando Obispo PSV Eindhoven | 24-26 | 37.5% | 25.0% | +12.5% |
| #18 | Shawn Adewoye Fortuna Sittard | 24-26 | 37.5% | 25.0% | +12.5% |
| #19 | Josip Sutalo Ajax Amsterdam | 24-26 | 37.5% | 25.0% | +12.5% |
| #20 | Anel Ahmedhodzic Feyenoord Rotterdam | 24-26 | 37.5% | 25.0% | +12.5% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 26 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 21 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €800K. 0 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sven Bouland FC Groningen | €150K | €1.0M | -1.03 | Good Value |
Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | €200K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Anel Ahmedhodzic Feyenoord Rotterdam | €18.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Sava-Arangel Cestic Heracles Almelo | €300K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | €15.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tsuyoshi Watanabe Feyenoord Rotterdam | €9.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | €5.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mees Hilgers Twente Enschede FC | €5.0M | €1.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Tijs Velthuis Sparta Rotterdam | €550K | €1.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Rick Meissen Excelsior Rotterdam | €700K | €1.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Silvinho Esajas FC Volendam | €250K | €1.0M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | €300K | €1.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | €300K | €1.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Mawouna Amevor FC Volendam | €225K | €1.0M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Syb van Ottele Fortuna Sittard | €1.0M | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Matisse Didden FC Utrecht | €1.0M | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Enes Mahmutovic NAC Breda | €400K | €1.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | €400K | €1.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Lewis Schouten Excelsior Rotterdam | €400K | €1.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Mike te Wierik Heracles Almelo | €275K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |