Best Defensive Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders 2024-25
Our database tracked 20 Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €78.3M. The average market value for Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders was €3.9M, with the average age at 25.4 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Eredivisie was Jerdy Schouten, worth €22.0M and played for PSV Eindhoven at 28 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €10.8M in market value, including Peer Koopmeiners and In-beom Hwang.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Nick Fichtinger (21 years, PEC Zwolle, €450K), while the oldest was Jordy Clasie (34 years, AZ Alkmaar, €1.5M). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 14 Defensive Midfielders (70%) 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 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 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 12 clubs with €78.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
The Eredivisie CDM market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (8 players, 40% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €37.0M, averaging €12.3M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (6 players)
27-29 Years (3 players)
30+ Years (3 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €32.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 5% of the Eredivisie CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Defensive Midfielders
Among 12 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 1 Defensive Midfielders worth €22.0M (averaging €22.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 90% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
PSV Eindhoven (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (2 Defensive Midfielders)
AZ Alkmaar (2 Defensive Midfielders)
Twente Enschede FC (3 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 • 28 years old
€23.3M
€22.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €19.4M
74.6
Peer Koopmeiners
AZ Alkmaar • 25 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
61.7
In-beom Hwang
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 29 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.8M
61.1
Oussama Targhalline
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
55.3
Stije Resink
FC Groningen • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
54.9
Alonzo Engwanda
FC Utrecht • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
52.6
Ramiz Zerrouki
Twente Enschede FC • 27 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.0
Dirk Proper
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Thomas van den Belt
Twente Enschede FC • 24 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.9
Mathias Kjølø
Twente Enschede FC • 24 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.6
Jordy Clasie
AZ Alkmaar • 34 years old
€1.9M
€1.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.3M
34.4
Max Balard
NAC Breda • 25 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
34.1
Melle Meulensteen
Go Ahead Eagles • 26 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
30.8
Sem Scheperman
Heracles Almelo • 23 years old
€778K
€900K
+15.6%
Expected: €953K
27.7
Joris van Overeem
SC Heerenveen • 31 years old
€1.0M
€800K
-22.6%
Expected: €667K
25.9
Calvin Twigt
Go Ahead Eagles • 22 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €662K
22.1
Xander Blomme
Go Ahead Eagles • 23 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €476K
18.9
Nick Fichtinger
PEC Zwolle • 21 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €516K
18.0
Casper Staring
NAC Breda • 24 years old
€303K
€350K
+15.6%
Expected: €375K
16.1
Fredrik Oldrup Jensen
NAC Breda • 32 years old
€387K
€300K
-22.6%
Expected: €250K
13.6
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)
AZ Alkmaar's Peer Koopmeiners at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 6.67×. That means Peer Koopmeiners is valued 6.67× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Feyenoord Rotterdam's Oussama Targhalline, who is 23 years old, with a 2.00× PPVE. Third is Stije Resink of FC Groningen, who is 22 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 6.67× means the player is worth 567% 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 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 25 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €1.5M | 6.67× |
| #2 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00× |
| #3 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00× |
| #4 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €3.0M | 1.67× |
| #5 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20× |
| #6 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Max Balard NAC Breda | 25 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 23 | 21-23 | €900K | €3.0M | 0.30× |
| #10 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | 24 | 24-26 | €350K | €1.5M | 0.23× |
| #11 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €3.0M | 0.20× |
| #12 | Xander Blomme Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 21-23 | €450K | €3.0M | 0.15× |
| #13 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | 21 | 21-23 | €450K | €3.0M | 0.15× |
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)
PEC Zwolle's Nick Fichtinger at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Nick Fichtinger is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 5 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Utrecht's Alonzo Engwanda, who is 22 years old, with a +30% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Calvin Twigt of Go Ahead Eagles, who is 22 years old with a +30% RPP (4 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 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | 21 | 5 | €450K | €696K | +35% |
| #2 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #3 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 22 | 4 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #4 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #5 | Xander Blomme Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 3 | €450K | €602K | +25% |
| #6 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 23 | 3 | €900K | €1.2M | +25% |
| #7 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #8 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | 23 | 3 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
| #9 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | 24 | 2 | €350K | €435K | +20% |
| #10 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #11 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | 24 | 2 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
| #12 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 25 | 1 | €10.0M | €11.6M | +14% |
| #13 | Max Balard NAC Breda | 25 | 1 | €1.5M | €1.7M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
PEC Zwolle's Nick Fichtinger has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Nick Fichtinger has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Groningen's Stije Resink with a 38.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Alonzo Engwanda of FC Utrecht with a 38.7 RAU (10% 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 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | €516K | €445K-587K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | €6.6M | €5.8M-7.4M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #3 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | €5.5M | €4.9M-6.2M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #4 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | €662K | €582K-741K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #5 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #6 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | €375K | €330K-420K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #9 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | €6.4M | €5.6M-7.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Xander Blomme Go Ahead Eagles | €476K | €419K-533K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | €953K | €838K-1.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Ramiz Zerrouki Twente Enschede FC | €5.1M | €4.5M-5.8M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #13 | Max Balard NAC Breda | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #14 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | €10.2M | €9.0M-11.5M | +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 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)
PSV Eindhoven's Jerdy Schouten in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +32.2%. That means Jerdy Schouten captures 47.2% of total market value while representing only 15.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Feyenoord Rotterdam's In-beom Hwang with a +32.2% ASC (47.2% value share vs 15.0% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Ramiz Zerrouki of Twente Enschede FC with a +32.2% ASC (47.2% value vs 15.0% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +32.2% ASC means the player captures 32.2% 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 | 47.2% | 15.0% | +32.2% |
| #2 | In-beom Hwang Feyenoord Rotterdam | 27-29 | 47.2% | 15.0% | +32.2% |
| #3 | Ramiz Zerrouki Twente Enschede FC | 27-29 | 47.2% | 15.0% | +32.2% |
| #4 | Jordy Clasie AZ Alkmaar | 30+ | 3.3% | 15.0% | -11.7% |
| #5 | Joris van Overeem SC Heerenveen | 30+ | 3.3% | 15.0% | -11.7% |
| #6 | Fredrik Oldrup Jensen NAC Breda | 30+ | 3.3% | 15.0% | -11.7% |
| #7 | Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #8 | Xander Blomme Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #9 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #10 | Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #11 | Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #12 | Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #13 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #14 | Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | 21-23 | 28.6% | 40.0% | -11.4% |
| #15 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 24-26 | 20.9% | 30.0% | -9.1% |
| #16 | Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | 24-26 | 20.9% | 30.0% | -9.1% |
| #17 | Melle Meulensteen Go Ahead Eagles | 24-26 | 20.9% | 30.0% | -9.1% |
| #18 | Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | 24-26 | 20.9% | 30.0% | -9.1% |
| #19 | Casper Staring NAC Breda | 24-26 | 20.9% | 30.0% | -9.1% |
| #20 | Max Balard NAC Breda | 24-26 | 20.9% | 30.0% | -9.1% |
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, 11 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 5 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 €22.0M. 1 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Casper Staring NAC Breda | €350K | €1.5M | -3.83 | Undervalued |
Ramiz Zerrouki Twente Enschede FC | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Melle Meulensteen Go Ahead Eagles | €1.2M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Fredrik Oldrup Jensen NAC Breda | €300K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Xander Blomme Go Ahead Eagles | €450K | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Nick Fichtinger PEC Zwolle | €450K | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Joris van Overeem SC Heerenveen | €800K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jerdy Schouten PSV Eindhoven | €22.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | €10.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
In-beom Hwang Feyenoord Rotterdam | €10.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mathias Kjølø Twente Enschede FC | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Calvin Twigt Go Ahead Eagles | €600K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Oussama Targhalline Feyenoord Rotterdam | €6.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Stije Resink FC Groningen | €6.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Max Balard NAC Breda | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jordy Clasie AZ Alkmaar | €1.5M | €1.5M | +0.58 | Above Market |
Sem Scheperman Heracles Almelo | €900K | €1.5M | +0.67 | Above Market |
Thomas van den Belt Twente Enschede FC | €1.8M | €1.5M | +1.00 | Above Market |
Dirk Proper NEC Nijmegen | €3.0M | €1.5M | +5.33 | Premium |