Best Defensive Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Oct 2026)
108 players tracked across 29 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Jerdy Schouten
PSV Eindhoven • 29 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €15.8M
72.5
Oussama Targhalline
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 24 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.4M
70.9
Peer Koopmeiners
AZ Alkmaar • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.4M
66.4
Alonzo Engwanda
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.8M
58.3
Stije Resink
FC Groningen • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.8M
56.6
Jorthy Mokio
Ajax Amsterdam • 18 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
56.1
In-beom Hwang
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 30 years old
€9.0M
€7.0M
-22.6%
56.0
Ramiz Zerrouki
FC Twente Enschede • 28 years old
€6.9M
€6.5M
-5.4%
54.8
Youri Regeer
Ajax Amsterdam • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
52.4
Kristijan Belic
AZ Alkmaar • 25 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
52.4
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Sign up freeJerdy Schouten
PSV Eindhoven · 29 years old
72.5
ASI
Current Value
€20.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€13.8M - €17.9M
Oussama Targhalline
Feyenoord Rotterdam · 24 years old
70.9
ASI
Current Value
€16.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€14.3M - €18.5M
Peer Koopmeiners
AZ Alkmaar · 26 years old
66.4
ASI
Current Value
€12.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€9.9M - €12.9M
Alonzo Engwanda
FC Utrecht · 23 years old
58.3
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€6.8M - €8.8M
Stije Resink
FC Groningen · 23 years old
56.6
ASI
Current Value
€7.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€5.9M - €7.7M
Jorthy Mokio
Ajax Amsterdam · 18 years old
56.1
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
In-beom Hwang
Feyenoord Rotterdam · 30 years old
56.0
ASI
Current Value
€7.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Ramiz Zerrouki
FC Twente Enschede · 28 years old
54.8
ASI
Current Value
€6.5M
% Change
-5.4%
1yr Forecast Range
Youri Regeer
Ajax Amsterdam · 23 years old
52.4
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Kristijan Belic
AZ Alkmaar · 25 years old
52.4
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 108 Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 29 clubs with a combined market value of €159.0M. The average market value for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders is €1.5M, with the average age at 29 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Eredivisie is Jerdy Schouten, worth €20.0M and playing for PSV Eindhoven at 29 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €12.6M in market value, including Oussama Targhalline and Peer Koopmeiners.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest is Joey van den Berg (40 years, SC Heerenveen, €250K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 28 Defensive Midfielders (26%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Eredivisie market for Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Eredivisie
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 29 clubs with €159.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
The Eredivisie CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (49 players, 45% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €51.8M, averaging €2.2M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (14 players)
24-26 Years (24 players)
27-29 Years (16 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 11 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €99.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 2% of the Eredivisie CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
Among 29 Eredivisie clubs, Feyenoord Rotterdam leads with 5 Defensive Midfielders worth €29.6M (averaging €5.9M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 43% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Feyenoord Rotterdam (5 Defensive Midfielders)
AZ Alkmaar (6 Defensive Midfielders)
PSV Eindhoven (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Ajax Amsterdam (4 Defensive Midfielders)
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)
Feyenoord Rotterdam's Oussama Targhalline at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 26.67×. That means Oussama Targhalline is valued 26.67× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Utrecht's Alonzo Engwanda, who is 23 years old, with a 11.43× PPVE. Third is Stije Resink of FC Groningen, who is 23 years old with a 10.00× 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 26.67× means the player is worth 2567% 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 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €16.0M | €600K | 26.67x |
| #2 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43x |
| #3 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €700K | 10.00x |
| #4 | Kristijan Belic AZ Alkmaar | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €600K | 8.33x |
| #5 | Thomas van den Belt FC Twente Enschede | 25 | 24-26 | €4.5M | €600K | 7.50x |
| #6 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €700K | 7.14x |
| #7 | Joshua Kitolano Sparta Rotterdam | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €600K | 4.17x |
| #8 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €2.5M | 3.20x |
| #9 | Cedric Hatenboer SC Telstar | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86x |
| #10 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €600K | 2.50x |
| #11 | Thijs Kraaijeveld Feyenoord Rotterdam | 19 | U21 | €5.0M | €2.5M | 2.00x |
| #12 | Gibson Yah FC Volendam | 23 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €700K | 1.86x |
| #13 | Mathias Kjølø FC Twente Enschede | 25 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67x |
| #14 | Max Balard NAC Breda | 25 | 24-26 | €900K | €600K | 1.50x |
| #15 | Anouar El Azzouzi PEC Zwolle | 25 | 24-26 | €650K | €600K | 1.08x |
| #16 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 21-23 | €750K | €700K | 1.07x |
| #17 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 24 | 24-26 | €600K | €600K | 1.00x |
| #18 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €700K | 1.00x |
| #19 | Kasper Boogaard AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00x |
| #20 | Amine Lachkar Willem II Tilburg | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €700K | 0.86x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
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Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for defensive midfielders, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for CDM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Eredivisie defensive midfielders, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for Eredivisie defensive midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Eredivisie competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
CDM Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for defensive midfielders
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Defensive Midfielders in the Eredivisie right now?
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Eredivisie today is Jerdy Schouten, who is worth €20.0M and plays for PSV Eindhoven. The second most valuable is Oussama Targhalline (€16.0M, Feyenoord Rotterdam), followed by Peer Koopmeiners (€12.0M, AZ Alkmaar). Our database tracks 108 Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders ranked?
Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Defensive Midfielders. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Eredivisie competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Defensive Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top defensive midfielder from the Eredivisie?
Transfer fees for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked defensive midfielder Jerdy Schouten (market value: €20.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €16.0M to €28.0M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Eredivisie transactions.
What is the value forecast for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Eredivisie defensive midfielder data come from?
Our Eredivisie defensive midfielder data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Eredivisie sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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