Best Defensive Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 25 Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 15 clubs with a combined market value of €91.8M. The average market value for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders was €3.7M, with the average age at 25.3 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Eredivisie was Jerdy Schouten, worth €22.0M and played for PSV Eindhoven at 29 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €10.6M in market value, including Oussama Targhalline and Peer Koopmeiners.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest was Jordy Clasie (34 years, AZ Alkmaar, €1.2M). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 16 Defensive Midfielders (64%) 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 Defensive 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 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 15 clubs with €91.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
The Eredivisie CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (9 players, 36% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €35.0M, averaging €11.7M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (9 players)
27-29 Years (3 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Defensive Midfielders (12% of players) control €38.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 4% of the Eredivisie CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
Among 15 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 1 Defensive Midfielders worth €22.0M (averaging €22.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 64% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
PSV Eindhoven (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (2 Defensive Midfielders)
AZ Alkmaar (2 Defensive Midfielders)
FC Groningen (2 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.
Jerdy Schouten
PSV Eindhoven • 29 years old
€28.4M
€22.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €19.4M
74.7
Oussama Targhalline
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 24 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
59.4
Peer Koopmeiners
AZ Alkmaar • 26 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.8M
58.4
In-beom Hwang
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 29 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.0M
58.3
Stije Resink
FC Groningen • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
57.3
Alonzo Engwanda
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
57.3
Jorthy Mokio
Ajax Amsterdam • 18 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
56.9
Ramiz Zerrouki
Twente Enschede FC • 28 years old
€5.3M
€5.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €4.4M
52.2
Dirk Proper
NEC Nijmegen • 24 years old
€2.0M
€2.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.5M
40.0
Thomas van den Belt
Twente Enschede FC • 24 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
38.2
Joshua Kitolano
Sparta Rotterdam • 24 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
38.2
Mathias Kjølø
Twente Enschede FC • 24 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.6
Melle Meulensteen
Go Ahead Eagles • 26 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.6
Jorg Schreuders
FC Groningen • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.3
Jordy Clasie
AZ Alkmaar • 34 years old
€1.5M
€1.2M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.1M
31.6
Max Balard
NAC Breda • 25 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
31.3
Cedric Hatenboer
SC Telstar • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.2
Joris van Overeem
SC Heerenveen • 32 years old
€1.2M
€900K
-22.6%
Expected: €750K
27.6
Calvin Twigt
Go Ahead Eagles • 23 years old
€649K
€750K
+15.6%
Expected: €794K
25.4
Sem Scheperman
Heracles Almelo • 23 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €741K
24.5
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)
FC Utrecht's Alonzo Engwanda at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 7.00×. That means Stije Resink is valued 7.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Groningen's Stije Resink, who is 23 years old, with a 7.00× PPVE. Third is Oussama Targhalline of Feyenoord Rotterdam, who is 24 years old with a 4.00× 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 7.00× means the player is worth 600% 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 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00× |
| #2 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00× |
| #3 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €2.0M | 4.00× |
| #4 | Jorg Schreuders FC Groningen | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #5 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 24 | 24-26 | €2.3M | €2.0M | 1.15× |
| #6 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €8.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Joshua Kitolano Sparta Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Cedric Hatenboer SC Telstar | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #11 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 21-23 | €750K | €1.0M | 0.75× |
| #12 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 23 | 21-23 | €700K | €1.0M | 0.70× |
| #13 | Max Balard NAC Breda | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €2.0M | 0.60× |
| #14 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #15 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | 22 | 21-23 | €450K | €1.0M | 0.45× |
| #16 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | 25 | 24-26 | €275K | €2.0M | 0.14× |
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)
Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Jorthy Mokio is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Groningen's Jorg Schreuders, who is 21 years old, with a +35% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Cedric Hatenboer of SC Telstar, 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 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% 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 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #2 | Jorg Schreuders FC Groningen | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #3 | Cedric Hatenboer SC Telstar | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #4 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | 21 | 5 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #5 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | 22 | 4 | €450K | €647K | +30% |
| #6 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 23 | 3 | €700K | €936K | +25% |
| #7 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 23 | 3 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #8 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 23 | 3 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #9 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 3 | €750K | €1.0M | +25% |
| #10 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 24 | 2 | €2.3M | €2.9M | +20% |
| #11 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #12 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #13 | Joshua Kitolano Sparta Rotterdam | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #14 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | 24 | 2 | €8.0M | €9.9M | +20% |
| #15 | Max Balard NAC Breda | 25 | 1 | €1.2M | €1.4M | +14% |
| #16 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | 25 | 1 | €275K | €318K | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Jorthy Mokio has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is SC Telstar's Cedric Hatenboer with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Nils Rossen of SC Telstar 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 79.0 means the upside is 79.0× 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 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Cedric Hatenboer SC Telstar | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Jorg Schreuders FC Groningen | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | €496K | €437K-556K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #6 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Joshua Kitolano Sparta Rotterdam | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | €8.6M | €7.5M-9.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | €2.5M | €2.2M-2.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | €741K | €652K-830K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | €7.4M | €6.5M-8.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | €7.4M | €6.5M-8.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | €794K | €699K-889K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Max Balard NAC Breda | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #16 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | €282K | €248K-315K | +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)
PSV Eindhoven's Jerdy Schouten in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +26.1%. That means Jerdy Schouten captures 38.1% of total market value while representing only 12.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Feyenoord Rotterdam's In-beom Hwang with a +26.1% ASC (38.1% value share vs 12.0% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Ramiz Zerrouki of Twente Enschede FC with a +26.1% ASC (38.1% value vs 12.0% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +26.1% ASC means the player captures 26.1% 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 | Jerdy Schouten PSV Eindhoven | 27-29 | 38.1% | 12.0% | +26.1% |
| #2 | In-beom Hwang Feyenoord Rotterdam | 27-29 | 38.1% | 12.0% | +26.1% |
| #3 | Ramiz Zerrouki Twente Enschede FC | 27-29 | 38.1% | 12.0% | +26.1% |
| #4 | Jordy Clasie AZ Alkmaar | 30+ | 3.4% | 16.0% | -12.6% |
| #5 | Joris van Overeem SC Heerenveen | 30+ | 3.4% | 16.0% | -12.6% |
| #6 | Ryan Thomas PEC Zwolle | 30+ | 3.4% | 16.0% | -12.6% |
| #7 | Fredrik Oldrup Jensen NAC Breda | 30+ | 3.4% | 16.0% | -12.6% |
| #8 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #9 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #10 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #11 | Jorg Schreuders FC Groningen | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #12 | Cedric Hatenboer SC Telstar | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #13 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #14 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #15 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | 21-23 | 20.6% | 32.0% | -11.4% |
| #16 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 24-26 | 29.2% | 36.0% | -6.8% |
| #17 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | 24-26 | 29.2% | 36.0% | -6.8% |
| #18 | Melle Meulensteen Go Ahead Eagles | 24-26 | 29.2% | 36.0% | -6.8% |
| #19 | Joshua Kitolano Sparta Rotterdam | 24-26 | 29.2% | 36.0% | -6.8% |
| #20 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 24-26 | 29.2% | 36.0% | -6.8% |
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, 13 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 5 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 €22.0M. 1 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Casper Staring NAC Breda | €275K | €1.5M | -1.53 | Undervalued |
Fredrik Oldrup Jensen NAC Breda | €300K | €1.5M | -1.20 | Good Value |
Ramiz Zerrouki Twente Enschede FC | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | €450K | €1.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Nils Rossen SC Telstar | €500K | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ryan Thomas PEC Zwolle | €700K | €1.5M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Max Balard NAC Breda | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | €700K | €1.5M | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €8.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joris van Overeem SC Heerenveen | €900K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jerdy Schouten PSV Eindhoven | €22.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | €8.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
In-beom Hwang Feyenoord Rotterdam | €8.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Melle Meulensteen Go Ahead Eagles | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | €7.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | €750K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | €8.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Stije Resink FC Groningen | €7.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Cedric Hatenboer SC Telstar | €1.0M | €1.5M | +0.50 | Fair Value |