Best Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Eredivisie Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 37 Eredivisie Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 17 clubs with a combined market value of €164.4M. The average market value for Eredivisie Midfielders was €4.4M, with the average age at 24.8 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Eredivisie was Ismael Saibari, worth €32.0M and played for PSV Eindhoven at 25 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €21.8M in market value, including Joey Veerman and Kees Smit.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Kees Smit (20 years, AZ Alkmaar, €22.0M), while the oldest was Lewis Holtby (35 years, NAC Breda, €400K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 25 Midfielders (68%) 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 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 17 clubs with €164.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Midfielders
The Eredivisie CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (15 players, 41% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €55.5M, averaging €3.7M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (15 players)
24-26 Years (10 players)
27-29 Years (4 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Midfielders (11% of players) control €99.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 3% of the Eredivisie CM pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Midfielders
Among 17 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 2 Midfielders worth €59.0M (averaging €29.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 62% of tracked Midfielders.
PSV Eindhoven (2 Midfielders)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (2 Midfielders)
AZ Alkmaar (1 Midfielders)
FC Utrecht (4 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ismael Saibari
PSV Eindhoven • 25 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.6M
82.2
Joey Veerman
PSV Eindhoven • 27 years old
€28.5M
€27.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €23.6M
76.2
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar • 20 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.2M
73.1
Luciano Valente
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
71.8
Jakub Moder
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 27 years old
€10.6M
€10.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €8.8M
60.2
Gjivai Zechiël
FC Utrecht • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.4
Kodai Sano
NEC Nijmegen • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
54.5
Youri Regeer
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Marcus Linday
SC Heerenveen • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.4
Kian Fitz-Jim
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
47.8
Zidane Iqbal
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Zico Buurmeester
PEC Zwolle • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Davy Klaassen
Ajax Amsterdam • 33 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
40.0
Can Bozdogan
FC Utrecht • 25 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
39.7
Edouard Michut
Fortuna Sittard • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Kenzo Goudmijn
Go Ahead Eagles • 24 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.8
Dave Kwakman
FC Volendam • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.1
Evert Linthorst
Go Ahead Eagles • 26 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
32.9
Davy van den Berg
FC Utrecht • 26 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
32.9
Tika de Jonge
FC Groningen • 23 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
32.5
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)
PSV Eindhoven's Ismael Saibari at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 40.00×. That means Ismael Saibari is valued 40.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, who is 20 years old, with a 14.67× PPVE. Third is Luciano Valente of Feyenoord Rotterdam, who is 22 years old with a 7.20× 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 40.00× means the player is worth 3900% 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 | Ismael Saibari PSV Eindhoven | 25 | 24-26 | €32.0M | €800K | 40.00× |
| #2 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €22.0M | €1.5M | 14.67× |
| #3 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €2.5M | 7.20× |
| #4 | Can Bozdogan FC Utrecht | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €800K | 3.13× |
| #5 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €2.5M | 2.80× |
| #6 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €2.5M | 2.40× |
| #7 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.5M | 2.00× |
| #8 | Kenzo Goudmijn Go Ahead Eagles | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €800K | 1.88× |
| #9 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €2.5M | 1.40× |
| #10 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €2.5M | 1.40× |
| #11 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.5M | 1.20× |
| #12 | Yassin Oukili Fortuna Sittard | 25 | 24-26 | €800K | €800K | 1.00× |
| #13 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #15 | Julian Baas Sparta Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €700K | €800K | 0.87× |
| #16 | Jan Zamburek Heracles Almelo | 25 | 24-26 | €500K | €800K | 0.63× |
| #17 | Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | 24 | 24-26 | €500K | €800K | 0.63× |
| #18 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.5M | 0.60× |
| #19 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.5M | 0.60× |
| #20 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €2.5M | 0.52× |
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)
FC Groningen's Tygo Land at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Kees Smit is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Travis Hernes of FC Groningen, 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 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #2 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €22.0M | €34.0M | +35% |
| #3 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #4 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21 | 5 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #5 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #6 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #7 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €4.7M | +25% |
| #8 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 22 | 4 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #9 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #10 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €18.0M | €24.1M | +25% |
| #11 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
| #12 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #13 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #14 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #15 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 3 | €450K | €559K | +20% |
| #16 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.2M | +20% |
| #17 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 23 | 3 | €1.3M | €1.6M | +20% |
| #18 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 23 | 3 | €3.5M | €4.4M | +20% |
| #19 | Julian Baas Sparta Rotterdam | 24 | 2 | €700K | €809K | +14% |
| #20 | Kenzo Goudmijn Go Ahead Eagles | 24 | 2 | €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)
FC Groningen's Travis Hernes has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Travis Hernes has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Tygo Land of FC Groningen 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 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | €25.2M | €21.7M-28.7M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | €276K | €238K-314K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | €482K | €424K-540K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | €19.1M | €16.8M-21.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | €7.4M | €6.5M-8.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | €6.4M | €5.6M-7.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | €5.3M | €4.7M-5.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Justin Lonwijk Fortuna Sittard | €824K | €725K-923K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #20 | Davy van den Berg FC Utrecht | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +3% | 12.0 |
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: 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)
Heracles Almelo's Ajdin Hrustic in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +12.4%. That means Joey Veerman captures 23.2% of total market value while representing only 10.8% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Fortuna Sittard's Samuel Bastien with a +12.4% ASC (23.2% value share vs 10.8% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Jakub Moder of Feyenoord Rotterdam with a +12.4% ASC (23.2% value vs 10.8% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +12.4% ASC means the player captures 12.4% 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 | Ajdin Hrustic Heracles Almelo | 27-29 | 23.2% | 10.8% | +12.4% |
| #2 | Samuel Bastien Fortuna Sittard | 27-29 | 23.2% | 10.8% | +12.4% |
| #3 | Jakub Moder Feyenoord Rotterdam | 27-29 | 23.2% | 10.8% | +12.4% |
| #4 | Joey Veerman PSV Eindhoven | 27-29 | 23.2% | 10.8% | +12.4% |
| #5 | Davy Klaassen Ajax Amsterdam | 30+ | 2.9% | 13.5% | -10.6% |
| #6 | Clint Leemans NAC Breda | 30+ | 2.9% | 13.5% | -10.6% |
| #7 | Jamiro Monteiro PEC Zwolle | 30+ | 2.9% | 13.5% | -10.6% |
| #8 | Pelle Clement Sparta Rotterdam | 30+ | 2.9% | 13.5% | -10.6% |
| #9 | Lewis Holtby NAC Breda | 30+ | 2.9% | 13.5% | -10.6% |
| #10 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #11 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #12 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #13 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #14 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #15 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #16 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #17 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #18 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #19 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -6.8% |
| #20 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | 21-23 | 33.8% | 40.5% | -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: 0 immediate targets, 18 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 12 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 €1.3M. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Travis Hernes FC Groningen | €250K | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Samuel Bastien Fortuna Sittard | €400K | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lewis Holtby NAC Breda | €400K | €1.5M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Clint Leemans NAC Breda | €450K | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | €250K | €1.5M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | €450K | €1.5M | -0.53 | Good Value |
Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Jan Zamburek Heracles Almelo | €500K | €1.5M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | €500K | €1.5M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Julian Baas Sparta Rotterdam | €700K | €1.5M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | €1.3M | €1.5M | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Ajdin Hrustic Heracles Almelo | €700K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Pelle Clement Sparta Rotterdam | €650K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Justin Lonwijk Fortuna Sittard | €800K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jakub Moder Feyenoord Rotterdam | €10.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joey Veerman PSV Eindhoven | €27.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Yassin Oukili Fortuna Sittard | €800K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | €18.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
