Best Defensive Midfielders in the Jupiler Pro League (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Jupiler Pro League Defensive Midfielders 2026-27
Our database tracked 29 Jupiler Pro League Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 14 clubs with a combined market value of €78.2M. The average market value for Jupiler Pro League Defensive Midfielders was €2.7M, with the average age at 25.4 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Jupiler Pro League was Raphael Onyedika, worth €20.0M and played for Club Brugge KV at 25 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €10.0M in market value, including Aleksandar Stanković and Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Amine Boukamir (19 years, Royal Charleroi SC, €300K), while the oldest was Sergiy Sydorchuk (34 years, KVC Westerlo, €500K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 19 Defensive Midfielders (66%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Jupiler Pro League market for Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 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 Jupiler Pro League
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Jupiler Pro League Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 14 clubs with €78.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Jupiler Pro League Defensive Midfielders
The Jupiler Pro League CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (9 players, 31% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €34.3M, averaging €4.9M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (9 players)
24-26 Years (7 players)
27-29 Years (4 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €41.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the Jupiler Pro League CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Jupiler Pro League Defensive Midfielders
Among 14 Jupiler Pro League clubs, Club Brugge KV leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €34.0M (averaging €11.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 83% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Club Brugge KV (3 Defensive Midfielders)
KRC Genk (2 Defensive Midfielders)
KVC Westerlo (4 Defensive Midfielders)
RSC Anderlecht (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.
Raphael Onyedika
Club Brugge KV • 25 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.5M
74.1
Aleksandar Stanković
Club Brugge KV • 20 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.5M
67.5
Ibrahima Sory Bangoura
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
58.5
Doğucan Haspolat
KVC Westerlo • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.9M
52.5
Enric Llansana
RSC Anderlecht • 25 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
50.1
Nikolas Sattlberger
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
48.1
Étienne Camara
Royal Charleroi SC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
40.6
Fredrik Hammar
KV Mechelen • 25 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
40.6
Arthur Piedfort
KVC Westerlo • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.3M
37.0
Birger Verstraete
Oud-Heverlee Leuven • 32 years old
€2.3M
€1.8M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.5M
36.4
Jaïro Riedewald
Without Club • 29 years old
€2.3M
€1.8M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.6M
35.8
Rihito Yamamoto
Sint-Truidense VV • 24 years old
€1.4M
€1.6M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
35.4
Cedric Hatenboer
RSC Anderlecht • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.3
Nathan Rôdes
FCV Dender EH • 28 years old
€1.5M
€1.4M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.2M
32.4
Mats Rits
RSC Anderlecht • 32 years old
€1.3M
€1.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €833K
28.9
Lynnt Audoor
Club Brugge KV • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Hakim Sahabo
Standard Liège • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
27.7
Mauricio Benítez
Royal Antwerp FC • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €882K
25.8
Marco Ilaimaharitra
Standard Liège • 30 years old
€1.0M
€800K
-22.6%
Expected: €667K
25.7
Malcolm Viltard
FCV Dender EH • 23 years old
€649K
€750K
+15.6%
Expected: €794K
25.4
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)
Club Brugge KV's Aleksandar Stanković at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 13.00×. That means Aleksandar Stanković is valued 13.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Club Brugge KV's Raphael Onyedika, who is 25 years old, with a 8.00× PPVE. Third is Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of KRC Genk, who is 22 years old with a 5.33× 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 13.00× means the player is worth 1200% 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 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | 20 | U21 | €13.0M | €1.0M | 13.00× |
| #2 | Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge KV | 25 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €2.5M | 8.00× |
| #3 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.5M | 5.33× |
| #4 | Nikolas Sattlberger KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.5M | 2.33× |
| #5 | Étienne Camara Royal Charleroi SC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67× |
| #6 | Enric Llansana RSC Anderlecht | 25 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €2.5M | 1.60× |
| #7 | Arthur Piedfort KVC Westerlo | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #8 | Fredrik Hammar KV Mechelen | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Cedric Hatenboer RSC Anderlecht | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Hakim Sahabo Standard Liège | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Lynnt Audoor Club Brugge KV | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.67× |
| #12 | Rihito Yamamoto Sint-Truidense VV | 24 | 24-26 | €1.6M | €2.5M | 0.64× |
| #13 | Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.5M | 0.53× |
| #14 | Malcolm Viltard FCV Dender EH | 23 | 21-23 | €750K | €1.5M | 0.50× |
| #15 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | 19 | U21 | €300K | €1.0M | 0.30× |
| #16 | Ryan Teague KV Mechelen | 24 | 24-26 | €650K | €2.5M | 0.26× |
| #17 | Alexis Beka Beka RAAL La Louvière | 25 | 24-26 | €500K | €2.5M | 0.20× |
| #18 | Massimo Decoene KV Mechelen | 22 | 21-23 | €250K | €1.5M | 0.17× |
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)
Royal Charleroi SC's Amine Boukamir at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Amine Boukamir is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Standard Liège's Hakim Sahabo, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Aleksandar Stanković of Club Brugge KV, who is 20 years old with a +40% 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #2 | Hakim Sahabo Standard Liège | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #3 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | 20 | 6 | €13.0M | €21.6M | +40% |
| #4 | Cedric Hatenboer RSC Anderlecht | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #5 | Arthur Piedfort KVC Westerlo | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #6 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €11.5M | +30% |
| #7 | Lynnt Audoor Club Brugge KV | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #8 | Massimo Decoene KV Mechelen | 22 | 4 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #9 | Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #10 | Nikolas Sattlberger KRC Genk | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €5.0M | +30% |
| #11 | Étienne Camara Royal Charleroi SC | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.3M | +25% |
| #12 | Malcolm Viltard FCV Dender EH | 23 | 3 | €750K | €1.0M | +25% |
| #13 | Rihito Yamamoto Sint-Truidense VV | 24 | 2 | €1.6M | €2.0M | +20% |
| #14 | Ryan Teague KV Mechelen | 24 | 2 | €650K | €808K | +20% |
| #15 | Enric Llansana RSC Anderlecht | 25 | 1 | €4.0M | €4.6M | +14% |
| #16 | Fredrik Hammar KV Mechelen | 25 | 1 | €2.5M | €2.9M | +14% |
| #17 | Alexis Beka Beka RAAL La Louvière | 25 | 1 | €500K | €578K | +14% |
| #18 | Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge KV | 25 | 1 | €20.0M | €23.1M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Royal Charleroi SC's Amine Boukamir has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Amine Boukamir has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Club Brugge KV's Aleksandar Stanković with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Hakim Sahabo of Standard Liège with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | €15.5M | €13.3M-17.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Hakim Sahabo Standard Liège | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Arthur Piedfort KVC Westerlo | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Cedric Hatenboer RSC Anderlecht | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Nikolas Sattlberger KRC Genk | €3.9M | €3.4M-4.3M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #7 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | €8.8M | €7.8M-9.9M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #8 | Lynnt Audoor Club Brugge KV | €1.1M | €970K-1.2M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #9 | Massimo Decoene KV Mechelen | €276K | €243K-309K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #10 | Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | €882K | €776K-988K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #11 | Ryan Teague KV Mechelen | €696K | €612K-779K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Rihito Yamamoto Sint-Truidense VV | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Malcolm Viltard FCV Dender EH | €794K | €699K-889K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Étienne Camara Royal Charleroi SC | €2.6M | €2.3M-3.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Abdoulaye Sissako Sint-Truidense VV | €721K | €634K-807K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #16 | Enric Llansana RSC Anderlecht | €4.1M | €3.6M-4.6M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #17 | Alexis Beka Beka RAAL La Louvière | €512K | €451K-573K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #18 | Fredrik Hammar KV Mechelen | €2.6M | €2.3M-2.9M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #19 | Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge KV | €20.5M | €18.0M-22.9M | +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)
KVC Westerlo's Doğucan Haspolat in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +19.6%. That means Raphael Onyedika captures 43.8% of total market value while representing only 24.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is RSC Anderlecht's Enric Llansana with a +19.6% ASC (43.8% value share vs 24.1% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Rihito Yamamoto of Sint-Truidense VV with a +19.6% ASC (43.8% value vs 24.1% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +19.6% ASC means the player captures 19.6% 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 | Doğucan Haspolat KVC Westerlo | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #2 | Enric Llansana RSC Anderlecht | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #3 | Rihito Yamamoto Sint-Truidense VV | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #4 | Fredrik Hammar KV Mechelen | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #5 | Alexis Beka Beka RAAL La Louvière | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #6 | Ryan Teague KV Mechelen | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #7 | Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge KV | 24-26 | 43.8% | 24.1% | +19.6% |
| #8 | Hannes Van Der Bruggen Cercle Brugge | 30+ | 6.6% | 20.7% | -14.0% |
| #9 | Sergiy Sydorchuk KVC Westerlo | 30+ | 6.6% | 20.7% | -14.0% |
| #10 | Marco Ilaimaharitra Standard Liège | 30+ | 6.6% | 20.7% | -14.0% |
| #11 | Birger Verstraete Oud-Heverlee Leuven | 30+ | 6.6% | 20.7% | -14.0% |
| #12 | Mory Konaté KV Mechelen | 30+ | 6.6% | 20.7% | -14.0% |
| #13 | Mats Rits RSC Anderlecht | 30+ | 6.6% | 20.7% | -14.0% |
| #14 | Jaïro Riedewald Without Club | 27-29 | 5.4% | 13.8% | -8.4% |
| #15 | Abdoulaye Sissako Sint-Truidense VV | 27-29 | 5.4% | 13.8% | -8.4% |
| #16 | Mathias Fixelles KVC Westerlo | 27-29 | 5.4% | 13.8% | -8.4% |
| #17 | Nathan Rôdes FCV Dender EH | 27-29 | 5.4% | 13.8% | -8.4% |
| #18 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | U21 | 18.3% | 10.3% | +7.9% |
| #19 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | U21 | 18.3% | 10.3% | +7.9% |
| #20 | Hakim Sahabo Standard Liège | U21 | 18.3% | 10.3% | +7.9% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 11 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 7 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 €20.0M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €300K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mathias Fixelles KVC Westerlo | €300K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Massimo Decoene KV Mechelen | €250K | €1.0M | -0.74 | Good Value |
Abdoulaye Sissako Sint-Truidense VV | €700K | €1.0M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Sergiy Sydorchuk KVC Westerlo | €500K | €1.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Mory Konaté KV Mechelen | €500K | €1.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Alexis Beka Beka RAAL La Louvière | €500K | €1.0M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Ryan Teague KV Mechelen | €650K | €1.0M | -0.51 | Good Value |
Malcolm Viltard FCV Dender EH | €750K | €1.0M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | €800K | €1.0M | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Hannes Van Der Bruggen Cercle Brugge | €600K | €1.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Lynnt Audoor Club Brugge KV | €1.0M | €1.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | €8.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Marco Ilaimaharitra Standard Liège | €800K | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Doğucan Haspolat KVC Westerlo | €5.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Rihito Yamamoto Sint-Truidense VV | €1.6M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nathan Rôdes FCV Dender EH | €1.4M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Cedric Hatenboer RSC Anderlecht | €1.5M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge KV | €20.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | €13.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |