Best Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Oct 2026)
125 players tracked across 28 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.
Joey Veerman
PSV Eindhoven • 27 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.0M
75.1
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar • 20 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
74.8
Paul Wanner
PSV Eindhoven • 20 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.3M
73.2
Luciano Valente
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.5M
72.0
Kodai Sano
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.6M
66.9
Gjivai Zechiël
FC Utrecht • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
60.6
Jakub Moder
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 27 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
60.1
Sean Steur
Ajax Amsterdam • 18 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
54.5
Marcus Linday
SC Heerenveen • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
52.4
Noah Fernandez
PSV Eindhoven • 18 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
47.5
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Sign up freeJoey Veerman
PSV Eindhoven · 27 years old
75.1
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€20.9M - €27.1M
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar · 20 years old
74.8
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€23.4M - €31.7M
Paul Wanner
PSV Eindhoven · 20 years old
73.2
ASI
Current Value
€22.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€20.6M - €27.9M
Luciano Valente
Feyenoord Rotterdam · 23 years old
72.0
ASI
Current Value
€18.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€15.2M - €19.7M
Kodai Sano
NEC Nijmegen · 23 years old
66.9
ASI
Current Value
€12.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€10.1M - €13.2M
Gjivai Zechiël
FC Utrecht · 22 years old
60.6
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Jakub Moder
Feyenoord Rotterdam · 27 years old
60.1
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Sean Steur
Ajax Amsterdam · 18 years old
54.5
ASI
Current Value
€7.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Marcus Linday
SC Heerenveen · 23 years old
52.4
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Noah Fernandez
PSV Eindhoven · 18 years old
47.5
ASI
Current Value
€4.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Eredivisie Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 125 Eredivisie Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 28 clubs with a combined market value of €203.7M. The average market value for Eredivisie Midfielders is €1.6M, with the average age at 28 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Eredivisie is Joey Veerman, worth €25.0M and playing for PSV Eindhoven at 27 years old. The top 5 Midfielders average €20.4M in market value, including Kees Smit and Paul Wanner.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked midfielder is Sean Steur (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €7.0M), while the oldest is Luigi Bruins (39 years, Excelsior Rotterdam, €300K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 36 Midfielders (29%) 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 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 28 clubs with €203.7M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Midfielders
The Eredivisie CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (49 players, 39% of market). The U21 age group holds the most value at €63.1M, averaging €6.3M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (10 players)
21-23 Years (21 players)
24-26 Years (25 players)
27-29 Years (20 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 13 Midfielders (10% of players) control €147.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the Eredivisie CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Midfielders
Among 28 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 5 Midfielders worth €52.6M (averaging €10.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 36% of tracked Midfielders.
PSV Eindhoven (5 Midfielders)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (3 Midfielders)
AZ Alkmaar (2 Midfielders)
FC Utrecht (5 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 Luciano Valente at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 22.50×. That means Luciano Valente is valued 22.50× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is NEC Nijmegen's Kodai Sano, who is 23 years old, with a 15.00× PPVE. Third is Gjivai Zechiël of FC Utrecht, who is 22 years old with a 12.50× 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 22.50× means the player is worth 2150% 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 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50x |
| #2 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00x |
| #3 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €800K | 12.50x |
| #4 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €25.0M | €2.5M | 10.00x |
| #5 | Paul Wanner PSV Eindhoven | 20 | U21 | €22.0M | €2.5M | 8.80x |
| #6 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €800K | 6.25x |
| #7 | Can Bozdogan FC Utrecht | 25 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €350K | 5.71x |
| #8 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €800K | 3.75x |
| #9 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | 24 | 24-26 | €1.3M | €350K | 3.71x |
| #10 | Sean Steur Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €7.0M | €2.5M | 2.80x |
| #11 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €800K | 2.25x |
| #12 | Kenzo Goudmijn Go Ahead Eagles | 24 | 24-26 | €700K | €350K | 2.00x |
| #13 | Yassin Oukili Fortuna Sittardia Combinatie | 25 | 24-26 | €700K | €350K | 2.00x |
| #14 | Julian Baas Sparta Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €700K | €350K | 2.00x |
| #15 | Philip Brittijn Fortuna Sittardia Combinatie | 22 | 21-23 | €1.6M | €800K | 2.00x |
| #16 | Dave Kwakman AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €800K | 1.88x |
| #17 | Noah Fernandez PSV Eindhoven | 18 | U21 | €4.0M | €2.5M | 1.60x |
| #18 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittardia Combinatie | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €800K | 1.50x |
| #19 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €800K | 1.25x |
| #20 | Jan Zamburek Heracles Almelo | 25 | 24-26 | €400K | €350K | 1.14x |
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 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 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 Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for Eredivisie Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
Unlock Peer Z-Score analysis for Eredivisie Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanIf you were Eredivisie's sporting director, who would you sign?
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How We Rank Eredivisie Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for 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 CM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Eredivisie 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 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.
CM 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 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 Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Midfielders in the Eredivisie right now?
The most valuable midfielder in the Eredivisie today is Joey Veerman, who is worth €25.0M and plays for PSV Eindhoven. The second most valuable is Kees Smit (€25.0M, AZ Alkmaar), followed by Paul Wanner (€22.0M, PSV Eindhoven). Our database tracks 125 Eredivisie Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Eredivisie Midfielders ranked?
Eredivisie Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for 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 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 midfielder from the Eredivisie?
Transfer fees for Eredivisie Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked midfielder Joey Veerman (market value: €25.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €20.0M to €35.0M 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 Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Eredivisie 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 midfielder data come from?
Our Eredivisie 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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