Best Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 (Sep 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.
Thauan Lara
Portimonense SAD • 22 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €406K
17.0
Toni Herrero
SC Farense • 25 years old
€324K
€375K
+15.6%
Expected: €384K
16.6
João Silva
UD Leiria • 28 years old
€423K
€400K
-5.4%
Expected: €354K
16.5
Gu Costa
Académico Viseu FC • 20 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €441K
16.1
Bright Godwin
FC Vizela • 24 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €307K
14.3
Igor Milioransa
Académico Viseu FC • 29 years old
€387K
€300K
-22.6%
Expected: €251K
13.1
Iano Simão
FC Penafiel • 27 years old
€238K
€275K
+15.6%
Expected: €283K
11.8
Aarón Romero
GD Chaves • 27 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €206K
7.8
Afonso Peixoto
SC União Torreense • 23 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €146K
5.2
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Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal 2
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 8 clubs with €2.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs
The Liga Portugal 2 LB market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (4 players, 44% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €1.2M, averaging €294K per player.
Top Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (2 players)
24-26 Years (2 players)
27-29 Years (4 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Left-Backs (11% of players) control €400K
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Portugal 2 LB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs
Among 8 Liga Portugal 2 clubs, Académico Viseu FC leads with 2 Left-Backs worth €700K (averaging €350K per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Left-Backs.
Académico Viseu FC (2 Left-Backs)
Portimonense SAD (1 Left-Backs)
UD Leiria (1 Left-Backs)
SC Farense (1 Left-Backs)
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)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.00×. That means Thauan Lara is valued 1.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SC Farense's Toni Herrero, who is 25 years old, with a 1.00× PPVE. Third is Thauan Lara of Portimonense SAD, who is 22 years old with a 1.00× 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 1.00× means the player is worth 0% 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | 20 | U21 | €400K | €400K | 1.00× |
| #2 | Toni Herrero SC Farense | 25 | 24-26 | €375K | €375K | 1.00× |
| #3 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | 22 | 21-23 | €400K | €400K | 1.00× |
| #4 | Bright Godwin FC Vizela | 24 | 24-26 | €300K | €375K | 0.80× |
| #5 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | 23 | 21-23 | €150K | €400K | 0.37× |
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)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Gu Costa is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Thauan Lara, who is 22 years old, with a +30% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Afonso Peixoto of SC União Torreense, who is 23 years old with a +25% RPP (3 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #2 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | 22 | 4 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #3 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | 23 | 3 | €150K | €201K | +25% |
| #4 | Bright Godwin FC Vizela | 24 | 2 | €300K | €373K | +20% |
| #5 | Toni Herrero SC Farense | 25 | 1 | €375K | €434K | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 33.7. That means Gu Costa has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Penafiel's Iano Simão with a 12.0 RAU (3% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Aarón Romero of GD Chaves with a 12.0 RAU (3% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 33.7 means the upside is 33.7× 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | €441K | €380K-502K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #2 | Iano Simão FC Penafiel | €283K | €249K-317K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #3 | Aarón Romero GD Chaves | €206K | €181K-231K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #4 | Bright Godwin FC Vizela | €307K | €270K-344K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #5 | Toni Herrero SC Farense | €384K | €338K-430K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #6 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | €406K | €357K-454K | +1% | 5.9 |
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: left-back 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)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +3.2%. That means Gu Costa captures 14.3% of total market value while representing only 11.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Thauan Lara with a +-2.6% ASC (19.6% value share vs 22.2% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Afonso Peixoto of SC União Torreense with a +-2.6% ASC (19.6% value vs 22.2% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +3.2% ASC means the player captures 3.2% 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | U21 | 14.3% | 11.1% | +3.2% |
| #2 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | 21-23 | 19.6% | 22.2% | -2.6% |
| #3 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | 21-23 | 19.6% | 22.2% | -2.6% |
| #4 | João Silva UD Leiria | 27-29 | 42.0% | 44.4% | -2.5% |
| #5 | Aarón Romero GD Chaves | 27-29 | 42.0% | 44.4% | -2.5% |
| #6 | Iano Simão FC Penafiel | 27-29 | 42.0% | 44.4% | -2.5% |
| #7 | Igor Milioransa Académico Viseu FC | 27-29 | 42.0% | 44.4% | -2.5% |
| #8 | Toni Herrero SC Farense | 24-26 | 24.1% | 22.2% | +1.9% |
| #9 | Bright Godwin FC Vizela | 24-26 | 24.1% | 22.2% | +1.9% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 1 standard acquisitions, 2 watch-list prospects, 5 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
WATCH LIST - High Upside
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 €400K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bright Godwin FC Vizela | €300K | €300K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | €150K | €300K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Aarón Romero GD Chaves | €200K | €300K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Iano Simão FC Penafiel | €275K | €300K | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | €400K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Toni Herrero SC Farense | €375K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | €400K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Igor Milioransa Académico Viseu FC | €300K | €300K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
João Silva UD Leiria | €400K | €300K | +0.80 | Above Market |
Market Overview: Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs 2023-24
Our database tracked 9 Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs in the 2023-24 season, representing 8 clubs with a combined market value of €2.8M. The average market value for Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs was €311K, with the average age at 25 years old.
The most valuable left-back in the Liga Portugal 2 was Thauan Lara, worth €400K and played for Portimonense SAD at 22 years old. The top 5 Left-Backs averaged €375K in market value, including Toni Herrero and João Silva.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked left-back was Gu Costa (20 years, Académico Viseu FC, €400K), while the oldest was Igor Milioransa (29 years, Académico Viseu FC, €300K). Research shows Left-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Historical analysis showed 6 Left-Backs (67%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal 2 market for Left-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2023-24 season.
How We Rank Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for left-backs, 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 LB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal 2 left-backs, 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 Liga Portugal 2 left-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Liga Portugal 2 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.
LB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
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 28: +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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for left-backs
• 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 Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs in the 2023-24 season
Who are the most valuable Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2023-24?
The most valuable left-back in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2023-24 is Thauan Lara, who is worth €400K and plays for Portimonense SAD. The second most valuable is Toni Herrero (€375K, SC Farense), followed by João Silva (€400K, UD Leiria). Our database tracks 9 Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2023-24 season.
How are Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs ranked?
Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Left-Backs. 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 Liga Portugal 2 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 Left-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top left-back from the Liga Portugal 2?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked left-back Thauan Lara (market value: €400K), estimated transfer fees would range from €320K to €560K 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 Liga Portugal 2 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 2 Left-Backs 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-defenders have ±10% 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 Liga Portugal 2 left-back data come from?
Our Liga Portugal 2 left-back 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 Liga Portugal 2 sources and updated monthly for the 2023-24 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.