Best Defensive Midfielders in the Liga MX (Oct 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga MX Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 54 Liga MX Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 19 clubs with a combined market value of €102.1M. The average market value for Liga MX Defensive Midfielders is €1.9M, with the average age at 27.1 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Liga MX is Érik Lira, worth €8.5M and playing for CD Cruz Azul at 25 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €5.8M in market value, including Érick Sánchez and Carlos Rodríguez.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Elías Montiel (20 years, CF Pachuca, €5.5M), while the oldest is Rafael Carioca (36 years, Without Club, €800K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 30 Defensive Midfielders (56%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga MX market for Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 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 Liga MX
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga MX Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 19 clubs with €102.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga MX Defensive Midfielders
The Liga MX CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (15 players, 28% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €37.5M, averaging €2.5M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
24-26 Years (15 players)
27-29 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 6 Defensive Midfielders (11% of players) control €33.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 9% of the Liga MX CDM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga MX Defensive Midfielders
Among 19 Liga MX clubs, CD Cruz Azul leads with 2 Defensive Midfielders worth €13.5M (averaging €6.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 61% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
CD Cruz Azul (2 Defensive Midfielders)
CF América (4 Defensive Midfielders)
CF Pachuca (3 Defensive Midfielders)
CF Monterrey (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.
Érik Lira
CD Cruz Azul • 25 years old
€7.4M
€8.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.4M
58.7
Érick Sánchez
CF América • 26 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
54.3
Carlos Rodríguez
CD Cruz Azul • 28 years old
€5.0M
€5.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €4.8M
51.3
Alan Cervantes
CF América • 27 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
50.7
Fidel Ambríz
CF Monterrey • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.3M
50.2
José Caicedo
UNAM Pumas • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
49.8
Elías Montiel
CF Pachuca • 20 years old
€4.8M
€5.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
49.6
Rômulo
Tigres UANL • 25 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
49.2
Nicolás Fonseca
Club León FC • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
47.5
Pedro Pedraza
CF Pachuca • 25 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
47.5
Jorge Rodríguez
CF Monterrey • 30 years old
€3.5M
€3.5M
+0.0%
Expected: €3.3M
45.5
Rodrigo Echeverría
Club León FC • 30 years old
€3.5M
€3.5M
+0.0%
Expected: €3.3M
45.5
Franco Romero
Deportivo Toluca • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
41.9
Denzell García
FC Juárez • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.8M
40.1
Rodrigo Dourado
Atlético de San Luis • 31 years old
€3.0M
€3.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €2.9M
39.3
Roberto Meraz
Mazatlán FC • 26 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
36.8
Aldo López
Santos Laguna • 25 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.1
Omar Govea
Deportivo Guadalajara • 29 years old
€1.5M
€1.5M
+0.0%
Expected: €1.4M
31.8
Jefferson Intriago
Mazatlán FC • 29 years old
€1.5M
€1.5M
+0.0%
Expected: €1.4M
31.8
Víctor Ríos
Atlas Guadalajara • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
30.4
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)
CD Cruz Azul's Érik Lira at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 8.50×. That means Érik Lira is valued 8.50× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is CF Monterrey's Fidel Ambríz, who is 22 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is José Caicedo of UNAM Pumas, who is 23 years old with a 4.50× 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 8.50× means the player is worth 750% 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 | Érik Lira CD Cruz Azul | 25 | 24-26 | €8.5M | €1.0M | 8.50× |
| #2 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #4 | Rômulo Tigres UANL | 25 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #5 | Pedro Pedraza CF Pachuca | 25 | 24-26 | €3.5M | €1.0M | 3.50× |
| #6 | Franco Romero Deportivo Toluca | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #7 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #8 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #9 | Aldo López Santos Laguna | 25 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #10 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 22 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20× |
| #11 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | U21 | €5.5M | €5.5M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Alejandro Andrade Club Necaxa | 24 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Santiago Trigos UNAM Pumas | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #15 | Alberto Herrera Mazatlán FC | 24 | 24-26 | €900K | €1.0M | 0.90× |
| #16 | Santiago Naveda CF América | 24 | 24-26 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80× |
| #17 | Ángel Zapata Querétaro FC | 24 | 24-26 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80× |
| #18 | Alan Torres Mazatlán FC | 25 | 24-26 | €700K | €1.0M | 0.70× |
| #19 | Sebastián Fierro Mazatlán FC | 24 | 24-26 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #20 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
No RPP data available (requires forecast values in database)
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Tigres UANL's Bernardo Parra has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 96.4. That means Bernardo Parra has 36% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is CF Pachuca's Elías Montiel with a 96.4 RAU (36% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ariel Gamarra of Puebla FC with a 86.4 RAU (26% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 96.4 means the upside is 96.4× 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 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #2 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €7.5M | €6.5M-8.5M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #3 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €379K | €333K-424K | +26% | 86.4 |
| #4 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #5 | Denzell García FC Juárez | €3.8M | €3.3M-4.2M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #6 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #7 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €6.3M | €5.6M-7.1M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #8 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | €2.0M | €1.7M-2.2M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #9 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €656K | €566K-747K | +31% | 86.2 |
| #10 | Jorge García Mazatlán FC | €242K | €213K-271K | +21% | 72.7 |
| #11 | Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | €242K | €213K-271K | +21% | 72.7 |
| #12 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.1M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #13 | Santiago Trigos UNAM Pumas | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #14 | Alberto Herrera Mazatlán FC | €1.0M | €919K-1.2M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #15 | Santiago Naveda CF América | €929K | €817K-1.0M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #16 | Ángel Zapata Querétaro FC | €929K | €817K-1.0M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #17 | Sebastián Fierro Mazatlán FC | €580K | €511K-650K | +16% | 57.7 |
| #18 | Alejandro Andrade Club Necaxa | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.3M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #19 | Pedro Pedraza CF Pachuca | €3.9M | €3.4M-4.4M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #20 | Alan Torres Mazatlán FC | €777K | €684K-871K | +11% | 41.4 |
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)
Mazatlán FC's Sebastián Fierro in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +9.0%. That means Érik Lira captures 36.7% of total market value while representing only 27.8% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Juárez's Jonathan González with a +9.0% ASC (36.7% value share vs 27.8% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Roberto Meraz of Mazatlán FC with a +9.0% ASC (36.7% value vs 27.8% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +9.0% ASC means the player captures 9.0% 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 | Sebastián Fierro Mazatlán FC | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #2 | Jonathan González FC Juárez | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #3 | Roberto Meraz Mazatlán FC | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #4 | Érick Sánchez CF América | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #5 | Nicolás Fonseca Club León FC | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #6 | Alan Torres Mazatlán FC | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #7 | Érik Lira CD Cruz Azul | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #8 | Rômulo Tigres UANL | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #9 | Aldo López Santos Laguna | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #10 | Santiago Naveda CF América | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #11 | Pedro Pedraza CF Pachuca | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #12 | Ángel Zapata Querétaro FC | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #13 | Alejandro Andrade Club Necaxa | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #14 | Franco Romero Deportivo Toluca | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #15 | Alberto Herrera Mazatlán FC | 24-26 | 36.7% | 27.8% | +9.0% |
| #16 | William Carvalho CF Pachuca | 30+ | 19.6% | 27.8% | -8.2% |
| #17 | Diego de Buen Club Necaxa | 30+ | 19.6% | 27.8% | -8.2% |
| #18 | Héctor Herrera Deportivo Toluca | 30+ | 19.6% | 27.8% | -8.2% |
| #19 | Federico Lértora Querétaro FC | 30+ | 19.6% | 27.8% | -8.2% |
| #20 | Javier Güemez Santos Laguna | 30+ | 19.6% | 27.8% | -8.2% |
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: 18 immediate targets, 6 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 10 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 €800K. 0 undervalued, 6 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Érick Sánchez CF América | €6.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Homer Martínez FC Juárez | €750K | €1.0M | -0.90 | Good Value |
José Rodríguez Club Necaxa | €800K | €1.0M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Jorge García Mazatlán FC | €200K | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | €200K | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €300K | €1.0M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Fernando Madrigal Club Tijuana | €400K | €1.0M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Jonathan dos Santos CF América | €400K | €1.0M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Diego de Buen Club Necaxa | €500K | €1.0M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €500K | €1.0M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Édgar Zaldívar Atlas Guadalajara | €1.0M | €1.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Frank Boya Club Tijuana | €1.0M | €1.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Sebastián Fierro Mazatlán FC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.23 | Fair Value |
Alan Torres Mazatlán FC | €700K | €1.0M | -0.14 | Fair Value |
Jonathan González FC Juárez | €800K | €1.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Santiago Naveda CF América | €800K | €1.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Ángel Zapata Querétaro FC | €800K | €1.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Alberto Herrera Mazatlán FC | €900K | €1.0M | -0.05 | Fair Value |
Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | €1.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.5M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |