Best Midfielders in the Liga Portugal (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 42 Liga Portugal Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 19 clubs with a combined market value of €174.0M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Midfielders was €4.1M, with the average age at 24.6 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Liga Portugal was Fredrik Aursnes, worth €20.0M and played for SL Benfica at 30 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €17.4M in market value, including Victor Froholdt and Rodrigo Zalazar.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was João Simões (18 years, Sporting CP, €6.0M), while the oldest was João Moutinho (39 years, SC Braga, €600K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 28 Midfielders (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 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 Liga Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 19 clubs with €174.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Midfielders
The Liga Portugal CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (16 players, 38% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €57.9M, averaging €5.3M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (16 players)
24-26 Years (11 players)
27-29 Years (5 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 5 Midfielders (12% of players) control €87.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 10% of the Liga Portugal CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Midfielders
Among 19 Liga Portugal clubs, SC Braga leads with 5 Midfielders worth €38.1M (averaging €7.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 67% of tracked Midfielders.
SC Braga (5 Midfielders)
SL Benfica (2 Midfielders)
Sporting CP (4 Midfielders)
FC Porto (2 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Fredrik Aursnes
SL Benfica • 30 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €16.6M
72.7
Victor Froholdt
FC Porto • 19 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.2M
72.5
Rodrigo Zalazar
SC Braga • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.5M
71.0
Leandro Barreiro
SL Benfica • 25 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.7M
69.2
Daniel Bragança
Sporting CP • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.4M
66.0
Hidemasa Morita
Sporting CP • 30 years old
€14.2M
€11.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.1M
65.3
Mario Dorgeles
SC Braga • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
60.3
Stephen Eustaquio
FC Porto • 28 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.9M
59.0
Giorgi Kochorashvili
Sporting CP • 26 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.2M
53.7
Gorby
SC Braga • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
52.9
João Simões
Sporting CP • 18 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
52.1
Diego Rodrigues
SC Braga • 20 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.2M
49.7
Vasco Sousa
Moreirense FC • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.5
Mathias de Amorim
FC Famalicão • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Beni
Vitória Guimarães SC • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Xeka
GD Estoril Praia • 31 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.0
Taichi Fukui
FC Arouca • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
36.6
Lawrence Ofori
Moreirense FC • 27 years old
€2.1M
€2.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.8M
36.6
Facundo Cáseres
Gil Vicente FC • 24 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.8
Brandon Aguilera
Rio Ave FC • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
33.7
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)
SL Benfica's Leandro Barreiro at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 12.50×. That means Leandro Barreiro is valued 12.50× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SC Braga's Mario Dorgeles, who is 21 years old, with a 7.69× PPVE. Third is Gorby of SC Braga, who is 23 years old with a 3.85× 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 12.50× means the player is worth 1150% 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 | Leandro Barreiro SL Benfica | 25 | 24-26 | €15.0M | €1.2M | 12.50× |
| #2 | Mario Dorgeles SC Braga | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.3M | 7.69× |
| #3 | Gorby SC Braga | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.3M | 3.85× |
| #4 | Victor Froholdt FC Porto | 19 | U21 | €22.0M | €6.0M | 3.67× |
| #5 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.3M | 3.08× |
| #6 | Vasco Sousa Moreirense FC | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.3M | 3.08× |
| #7 | Beni Vitória Guimarães SC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.3M | 1.54× |
| #8 | Taichi Fukui FC Arouca | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.3M | 1.54× |
| #9 | Facundo Cáseres Gil Vicente FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.2M | 1.25× |
| #10 | Brandon Aguilera Rio Ave FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.3M | 1.15× |
| #11 | Espen van Ee FC Arouca | 22 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €1.3M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Pedro Santos FC Arouca | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #13 | João Simões Sporting CP | 18 | U21 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Zé Carlos Gil Vicente FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.83× |
| #15 | Mateo Flores FC Arouca | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.3M | 0.77× |
| #16 | Yassin Oukili Casa Pia AC | 24 | 24-26 | €900K | €1.2M | 0.75× |
| #17 | Diego Rodrigues SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €4.5M | €6.0M | 0.75× |
| #18 | Joel Silva CD Nacional | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.3M | 0.62× |
| #19 | Otar Mamageishvili FC Famalicão | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €1.3M | 0.54× |
| #20 | Gonçalo Nogueira Vitória Guimarães SC | 21 | 21-23 | €600K | €1.3M | 0.46× |
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)
Sporting CP's João Simões at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means João Simões is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Porto's Victor Froholdt, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Marcos Peña of FC Famalicão, 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 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 | João Simões Sporting CP | 18 | 8 | €6.0M | €10.7M | +44% |
| #2 | Victor Froholdt FC Porto | 19 | 7 | €22.0M | €36.6M | +40% |
| #3 | Marcos Peña FC Famalicão | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #4 | Diego Rodrigues SC Braga | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.0M | +35% |
| #5 | Mateo Flores FC Arouca | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #6 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #7 | Taichi Fukui FC Arouca | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #8 | Mario Dorgeles SC Braga | 21 | 5 | €10.0M | €14.4M | +30% |
| #9 | Gonçalo Nogueira Vitória Guimarães SC | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #10 | Otar Mamageishvili FC Famalicão | 22 | 4 | €700K | €936K | +25% |
| #11 | Gian Cabezas FC Alverca | 22 | 4 | €350K | €468K | +25% |
| #12 | Vasco Sousa Moreirense FC | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #13 | Rodri Alonso Moreirense FC | 22 | 4 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #14 | Espen van Ee FC Arouca | 22 | 4 | €1.3M | €1.7M | +25% |
| #15 | Gustavo Mendonça Avs Futebol | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #16 | Joel Silva CD Nacional | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #17 | Brandon Aguilera Rio Ave FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #18 | Gorby SC Braga | 23 | 3 | €5.0M | €6.2M | +20% |
| #19 | Robinho CF Estrela Amadora | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
| #20 | Beni Vitória Guimarães SC | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Sporting CP's João Simões has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means João Simões has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Porto's Victor Froholdt with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Marcos Peña of FC Famalicão 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 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 | João Simões Sporting CP | €7.4M | €6.4M-8.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Victor Froholdt FC Porto | €26.2M | €22.6M-29.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Marcos Peña FC Famalicão | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Diego Rodrigues SC Braga | €5.2M | €4.4M-5.9M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Mario Dorgeles SC Braga | €11.0M | €9.5M-12.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Gonçalo Nogueira Vitória Guimarães SC | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Mateo Flores FC Arouca | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Taichi Fukui FC Arouca | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Robinho CF Estrela Amadora | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Beni Vitória Guimarães SC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Gorby SC Braga | €5.4M | €4.7M-6.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Rodri Alonso Moreirense FC | €318K | €279K-356K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Otar Mamageishvili FC Famalicão | €741K | €652K-830K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Gian Cabezas FC Alverca | €370K | €326K-415K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Vasco Sousa Moreirense FC | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Espen van Ee FC Arouca | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.5M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Gustavo Mendonça Avs Futebol | €423K | €373K-474K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Joel Silva CD Nacional | €847K | €745K-948K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Brandon Aguilera Rio Ave FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
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 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)
SC Braga's Mario Dorgeles in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-18.3%. That means Mario Dorgeles captures 19.8% of total market value while representing only 38.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Arouca's Mateo Flores with a +-18.3% ASC (19.8% value share vs 38.1% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Mathias de Amorim of FC Famalicão with a +-18.3% ASC (19.8% value vs 38.1% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-18.3% ASC means the player captures -18.3% 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 | Mario Dorgeles SC Braga | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #2 | Mateo Flores FC Arouca | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #3 | Mathias de Amorim FC Famalicão | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #4 | Robinho CF Estrela Amadora | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #5 | Vasco Sousa Moreirense FC | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #6 | Espen van Ee FC Arouca | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #7 | Gorby SC Braga | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #8 | Brandon Aguilera Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #9 | Gustavo Mendonça Avs Futebol | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #10 | Beni Vitória Guimarães SC | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #11 | Rodri Alonso Moreirense FC | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #12 | Otar Mamageishvili FC Famalicão | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #13 | Taichi Fukui FC Arouca | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #14 | Gian Cabezas FC Alverca | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #15 | Gonçalo Nogueira Vitória Guimarães SC | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #16 | Joel Silva CD Nacional | 21-23 | 19.8% | 38.1% | -18.3% |
| #17 | Marcos Peña FC Famalicão | U21 | 19.5% | 9.5% | +10.0% |
| #18 | Victor Froholdt FC Porto | U21 | 19.5% | 9.5% | +10.0% |
| #19 | João Simões Sporting CP | U21 | 19.5% | 9.5% | +10.0% |
| #20 | Diego Rodrigues SC Braga | U21 | 19.5% | 9.5% | +10.0% |
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: 2 immediate targets, 18 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marcos Peña FC Famalicão | €1.5M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Leandro Barreiro SL Benfica | €15.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Giorgi Kochorashvili Sporting CP | €6.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gorby SC Braga | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Miguel Sousa Casa Pia AC | €400K | €1.5M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Paulo Moreira CF Estrela Amadora | €400K | €1.5M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Yaya Sithole CD Tondela | €400K | €1.5M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Rodri Alonso Moreirense FC | €300K | €1.5M | -0.47 | Fair Value |
Gian Cabezas FC Alverca | €350K | €1.5M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Gustavo Mendonça Avs Futebol | €400K | €1.5M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Jaume Grau Avs Futebol | €700K | €1.5M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Robinho CF Estrela Amadora | €500K | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Gonçalo Nogueira Vitória Guimarães SC | €600K | €1.5M | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Otar Mamageishvili FC Famalicão | €700K | €1.5M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
João Graça Rio Ave FC | €300K | €1.5M | -0.19 | Fair Value |
Joel Silva CD Nacional | €800K | €1.5M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Marco van Ginkel Without Club | €400K | €1.5M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Yassin Oukili Casa Pia AC | €900K | €1.5M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Mario Dorgeles SC Braga | €10.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mateo Flores FC Arouca | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |