Best Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal (Oct 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 32 Liga Portugal Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 14 clubs with a combined market value of €182.1M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Defensive Midfielders is €5.7M, with the average age at 24.3 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Liga Portugal is Morten Hjulmand, worth €50.0M and playing for Sporting CP at 26 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €25.4M in market value, including Alan Varela and Richard Ríos.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Juan Sebastián Rodríguez (19 years, CD Tondela, €500K), while the oldest is Seba Pérez (32 years, Casa Pia AC, €1.0M). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 28 Defensive Midfielders (88%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal 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 Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 14 clubs with €182.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Defensive Midfielders
The Liga Portugal CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (16 players, 50% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €144.5M, averaging €9.0M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (6 players)
24-26 Years (16 players)
27-29 Years (3 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Defensive Midfielders (13% of players) control €117.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 3% of the Liga Portugal CDM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Defensive Midfielders
Among 14 Liga Portugal clubs, Sporting CP leads with 1 Defensive Midfielders worth €50.0M (averaging €50.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 75% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Sporting CP (1 Defensive Midfielders)
SL Benfica (3 Defensive Midfielders)
FC Porto (3 Defensive Midfielders)
SC Braga (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.
Morten Hjulmand
Sporting CP • 26 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.2M
88.4
Alan Varela
FC Porto • 24 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.7M
82.7
Richard Ríos
SL Benfica • 25 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.4M
74.4
Enzo Barrenechea
SL Benfica • 24 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.1M
67.7
Manu Silva
SL Benfica • 24 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.6M
60.8
Pablo Rosario
FC Porto • 28 years old
€8.0M
€8.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €7.6M
57.3
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.9M
54.3
Vítor Carvalho
SC Braga • 28 years old
€5.0M
€5.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €4.8M
51.3
Patrick de Paula
GD Estoril Praia • 26 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.2
Jordan Holsgrove
GD Estoril Praia • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
47.5
Adriano Firmino
CD Santa Clara • 25 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.6
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC • 21 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
39.2
Tomás Pérez
FC Porto • 20 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
38.3
Pedro Ferreira
CD Santa Clara • 27 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
36.8
Tom van de Looi
FC Famalicão • 26 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
36.8
Florian Grillitsch
SC Braga • 30 years old
€2.0M
€2.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €1.9M
34.8
Matheus Dias
CD Nacional • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.8M
32.2
Jandro Orellana
GD Estoril Praia • 25 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.0
Tamás Nikitscher
Rio Ave FC • 25 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.0
Joe Hodge
CD Tondela • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
27.1
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)
FC Porto's Alan Varela at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 12.80×. That means Alan Varela is valued 12.80× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SL Benfica's Richard Ríos, who is 25 years old, with a 8.80× PPVE. Third is Gabriel Moscardo of SC Braga, who is 20 years old with a 8.00× 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 12.80× means the player is worth 1180% 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 | Alan Varela FC Porto | 24 | 24-26 | €32.0M | €2.5M | 12.80× |
| #2 | Richard Ríos SL Benfica | 25 | 24-26 | €22.0M | €2.5M | 8.80× |
| #3 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00× |
| #4 | Enzo Barrenechea SL Benfica | 24 | 24-26 | €13.0M | €2.5M | 5.20× |
| #5 | Manu Silva SL Benfica | 24 | 24-26 | €10.0M | €2.5M | 4.00× |
| #6 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #7 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #8 | Matheus Dias CD Nacional | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #9 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Adriano Firmino CD Santa Clara | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | 19 | U21 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #13 | Rafael Brito Casa Pia AC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #14 | Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | 20 | U21 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #15 | Jandro Orellana GD Estoril Praia | 25 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €2.5M | 0.40× |
| #16 | Tamás Nikitscher Rio Ave FC | 25 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €2.5M | 0.40× |
| #17 | Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.0M | 0.40× |
| #18 | Georgios Liavas Rio Ave FC | 24 | 24-26 | €900K | €2.5M | 0.36× |
| #19 | Gustavo Assunção Avs Futebol | 25 | 24-26 | €800K | €2.5M | 0.32× |
| #20 | Iyad Mohamed Casa Pia AC | 24 | 24-26 | €600K | €2.5M | 0.24× |
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)
CD Tondela's Juan Sebastián Rodríguez has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 105.9. That means Juan Sebastián Rodríguez has 41% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Porto's Tomás Pérez with a 96.4 RAU (36% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Theofanis Bakoulas of Rio Ave FC with a 96.4 RAU (36% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 105.9 means the upside is 105.9× 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 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | €707K | €609K-804K | +41% | 105.9 |
| #2 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto | €4.1M | €3.5M-4.7M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #3 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #4 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | €10.9M | €9.4M-12.4M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #5 | Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | €681K | €587K-775K | +36% | 96.4 |
| #6 | Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | €262K | €226K-299K | +31% | 86.2 |
| #7 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | €3.9M | €3.4M-4.5M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #8 | Matheus Dias CD Nacional | €1.8M | €1.6M-2.0M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #9 | Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | €485K | €426K-543K | +21% | 72.7 |
| #10 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #11 | Rafael Brito Casa Pia AC | €606K | €533K-678K | +21% | 72.7 |
| #12 | Alan Varela FC Porto | €38.7M | €34.0M-43.3M | +21% | 71.8 |
| #13 | Iyad Mohamed Casa Pia AC | €696K | €613K-780K | +16% | 57.7 |
| #14 | Manu Silva SL Benfica | €11.6M | €10.2M-13.0M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #15 | Georgios Liavas Rio Ave FC | €1.0M | €919K-1.2M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #16 | Enzo Barrenechea SL Benfica | €15.1M | €13.3M-16.9M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #17 | Richard Ríos SL Benfica | €24.4M | €21.5M-27.4M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #18 | Jandro Orellana GD Estoril Praia | €1.1M | €977K-1.2M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #19 | Tamás Nikitscher Rio Ave FC | €1.1M | €977K-1.2M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #20 | Adriano Firmino CD Santa Clara | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +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 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)
GD Estoril Praia's Jandro Orellana in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +29.4%. That means Morten Hjulmand captures 79.4% of total market value while representing only 50.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Famalicão's Tom van de Looi with a +29.4% ASC (79.4% value share vs 50.0% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Jordan Holsgrove of GD Estoril Praia with a +29.4% ASC (79.4% value vs 50.0% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +29.4% ASC means the player captures 29.4% 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 | Jandro Orellana GD Estoril Praia | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #2 | Tom van de Looi FC Famalicão | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #3 | Jordan Holsgrove GD Estoril Praia | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #4 | Morten Hjulmand Sporting CP | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #5 | Gustavo Assunção Avs Futebol | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #6 | Georgios Liavas Rio Ave FC | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #7 | Tamás Nikitscher Rio Ave FC | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #8 | Ángel Algobia Avs Futebol | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #9 | Sabit Abdulai FC Alverca | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #10 | Enzo Barrenechea SL Benfica | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #11 | Adriano Firmino CD Santa Clara | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #12 | Manu Silva SL Benfica | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #13 | Richard Ríos SL Benfica | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #14 | Patrick de Paula GD Estoril Praia | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #15 | Alan Varela FC Porto | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #16 | Iyad Mohamed Casa Pia AC | 24-26 | 79.4% | 50.0% | +29.4% |
| #17 | Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 3.6% | 18.8% | -15.1% |
| #18 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 3.6% | 18.8% | -15.1% |
| #19 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | 21-23 | 3.6% | 18.8% | -15.1% |
| #20 | Rafael Brito Casa Pia AC | 21-23 | 3.6% | 18.8% | -15.1% |
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: 16 immediate targets, 5 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 9 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 €900K. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seba Pérez Casa Pia AC | €1.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Vítor Carvalho SC Braga | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Manu Silva SL Benfica | €10.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | €200K | €2.0M | -0.73 | Good Value |
Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | €400K | €2.0M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Rafael Brito Casa Pia AC | €500K | €2.0M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Sabit Abdulai FC Alverca | €400K | €2.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Iyad Mohamed Casa Pia AC | €600K | €2.0M | -0.24 | Fair Value |
Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | €500K | €2.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | €500K | €2.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Gustavo Assunção Avs Futebol | €800K | €2.0M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Ángel Algobia Avs Futebol | €800K | €2.0M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Georgios Liavas Rio Ave FC | €900K | €2.0M | -0.06 | Fair Value |
Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | €8.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Florian Grillitsch SC Braga | €2.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Pedro Ferreira CD Santa Clara | €2.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Pablo Rosario FC Porto | €8.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jandro Orellana GD Estoril Praia | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Morten Hjulmand Sporting CP | €50.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |