Best Midfielders in the Ligue 1 (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Ligue 1 Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 48 Ligue 1 Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 20 clubs with a combined market value of €606.6M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Midfielders was €12.6M, with the average age at 25.8 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the Ligue 1 was João Neves, worth €110.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 21 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €56.0M in market value, including Warren Zaïre-Emery and Fabián Ruiz.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Ayyoub Bouaddi (18 years, LOSC Lille, €40.0M), while the oldest was Pierrick Capelle (39 years, Angers SCO, €200K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 25 Midfielders (52%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Ligue 1 market for Midfielders remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity 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 Ligue 1
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Ligue 1 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 20 clubs with €606.6M combined value.
Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Midfielders
The Ligue 1 CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (12 players, 25% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €238.0M, averaging €19.8M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (12 players)
24-26 Years (10 players)
27-29 Years (9 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 5 Midfielders (10% of players) control €280.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 4% of the Ligue 1 CM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Ligue 1 Midfielders
Among 20 Ligue 1 clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 4 Midfielders worth €240.0M (averaging €60.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 65% of tracked Midfielders.
Paris Saint-Germain (4 Midfielders)
Olympique Marseille (3 Midfielders)
LOSC Lille (2 Midfielders)
Stade Rennais FC (5 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
João Neves
Paris Saint-Germain • 21 years old
€95.1M
€110.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €126.2M
93.3
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Paris Saint-Germain • 20 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €59.7M
87.4
Fabián Ruiz
Paris Saint-Germain • 30 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.5M
85.4
Senny Mayulu
Paris Saint-Germain • 20 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €47.7M
84.6
Ayyoub Bouaddi
LOSC Lille • 18 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €51.4M
83.2
Lamine Camara
AS Monaco • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.5
Quinten Timber
Olympique Marseille • 24 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.6M
76.3
Valentín Barco
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 21 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
75.6
Matt O'Riley
Olympique Marseille • 25 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.6M
73.1
Mamadou Sangaré
RC Lens • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
70.4
Djaoui Cissé
Stade Rennais FC • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
69.8
Corentin Tolisso
Olympique Lyon • 31 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.9M
66.8
Marshall Munetsi
Paris FC • 29 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.9M
66.6
Hicham Boudaoui
OGC Nice • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.4M
66.3
Kévin Danois
AJ Auxerre • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
60.6
Mahdi Camara
Stade Rennais FC • 27 years old
€10.6M
€10.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €8.8M
60.5
Mathis Amougou
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
60.0
Bilal Nadir
Olympique Marseille • 22 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.5M
59.9
Valentin Rongier
Stade Rennais FC • 31 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
59.6
Arthur Avom
FC Lorient • 21 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.9M
59.3
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)
Paris Saint-Germain's João Neves at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 11.00×. That means João Neves is valued 11.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Olympique Marseille's Quinten Timber, who is 24 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Matt O'Riley of Olympique Marseille, who is 25 years old with a 4.00× 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 11.00× means the player is worth 1000% 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 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21 | 21-23 | €110.0M | €10.0M | 11.00× |
| #2 | Quinten Timber Olympique Marseille | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €5.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | Matt O'Riley Olympique Marseille | 25 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €5.0M | 4.00× |
| #4 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €10.0M | 3.00× |
| #5 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €10.0M | 2.50× |
| #6 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €10.0M | 1.50× |
| #7 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €10.0M | 1.50× |
| #8 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | U21 | €50.0M | €40.0M | 1.25× |
| #9 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | U21 | €40.0M | €40.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Rassoul Ndiaye Le Havre AC | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Yassine Kechta Le Havre AC | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €10.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | U21 | €40.0M | €40.0M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €10.0M | 0.90× |
| #15 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | 22 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €10.0M | 0.90× |
| #16 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €10.0M | 0.80× |
| #17 | Yassin Belkhdim Angers SCO | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €5.0M | 0.80× |
| #18 | Abu Francis FC Toulouse | 25 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €5.0M | 0.40× |
| #19 | Pape Demba Diop FC Toulouse | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €10.0M | 0.40× |
| #20 | Mohamed Kaba FC Nantes | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €5.0M | 0.30× |
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)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Mathis Amougou, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Samir El Mourabet of RC Strasbourg Alsace, 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | 18 | 8 | €40.0M | €71.5M | +44% |
| #2 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | 6 | €10.0M | €15.5M | +35% |
| #3 | Samir El Mourabet RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €12.4M | +35% |
| #4 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | 6 | €50.0M | €77.3M | +35% |
| #5 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | 6 | €40.0M | €61.8M | +35% |
| #6 | Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #7 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21 | 5 | €9.0M | €12.9M | +30% |
| #8 | Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #9 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | 21 | 5 | €10.0M | €14.4M | +30% |
| #10 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21 | 5 | €25.0M | €35.9M | +30% |
| #11 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21 | 5 | €110.0M | €158.1M | +30% |
| #12 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #13 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | 22 | 4 | €30.0M | €40.1M | +25% |
| #14 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | 22 | 4 | €15.0M | €20.1M | +25% |
| #15 | Pape Demba Diop FC Toulouse | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #16 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | 22 | 4 | €9.0M | €12.0M | +25% |
| #17 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | 23 | 3 | €15.0M | €18.6M | +20% |
| #18 | Quinten Timber Olympique Marseille | 24 | 2 | €25.0M | €28.9M | +14% |
| #19 | Rassoul Ndiaye Le Havre AC | 24 | 2 | €5.0M | €5.8M | +14% |
| #20 | Yassine Kechta Le Havre AC | 24 | 2 | €5.0M | €5.8M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
LOSC Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 80.4. That means Ayyoub Bouaddi has 29% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery with a 58.7 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Senny Mayulu of Paris Saint-Germain with a 58.7 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 80.4 means the upside is 80.4× 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 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €51.4M | €44.3M-58.5M | +29% | 80.4 |
| #2 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | €59.7M | €51.4M-67.9M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #3 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | €47.7M | €41.1M-54.3M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #4 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | €126.2M | €108.8M-143.6M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #5 | Samir El Mourabet RC Strasbourg Alsace | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | €11.5M | €9.9M-13.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | €11.0M | €9.5M-12.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | €27.6M | €23.8M-31.4M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | €9.9M | €8.6M-11.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | €16.1M | €14.1M-18.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | €9.5M | €8.4M-10.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | €8.5M | €7.5M-9.5M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Pape Demba Diop FC Toulouse | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | €31.8M | €27.9M-35.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | €15.9M | €14.0M-17.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Cristian Cásseres Jr. FC Toulouse | €7.2M | €6.3M-8.1M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Moataz Zemzemi Club Africain | €566K | €498K-634K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #20 | Hicham Boudaoui OGC Nice | €12.4M | €10.9M-13.8M | +3% | 12.0 |
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 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)
FC Nantes's Dehmaine Tabibou in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +14.2%. That means João Neves captures 39.2% of total market value while representing only 25.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Lorient's Arthur Avom with a +14.2% ASC (39.2% value share vs 25.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Bilal Nadir of Olympique Marseille with a +14.2% ASC (39.2% value vs 25.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +14.2% ASC means the player captures 14.2% 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 | Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #2 | Arthur Avom FC Lorient | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #3 | Bilal Nadir Olympique Marseille | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #4 | João Neves Paris Saint-Germain | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #5 | Kévin Danois AJ Auxerre | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #6 | Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #7 | Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #8 | Mamadou Sangaré RC Lens | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #9 | Valentín Barco RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #10 | Lamine Camara AS Monaco | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #11 | Djaoui Cissé Stade Rennais FC | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #12 | Pape Demba Diop FC Toulouse | 21-23 | 39.2% | 25.0% | +14.2% |
| #13 | Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | U21 | 24.4% | 10.4% | +14.0% |
| #14 | Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | U21 | 24.4% | 10.4% | +14.0% |
| #15 | Samir El Mourabet RC Strasbourg Alsace | U21 | 24.4% | 10.4% | +14.0% |
| #16 | Warren Zaïre-Emery Paris Saint-Germain | U21 | 24.4% | 10.4% | +14.0% |
| #17 | Senny Mayulu Paris Saint-Germain | U21 | 24.4% | 10.4% | +14.0% |
| #18 | Mahdi Camara Stade Rennais FC | 27-29 | 7.3% | 18.8% | -11.4% |
| #19 | Lucas Tousart Stade Brestois 29 | 27-29 | 7.3% | 18.8% | -11.4% |
| #20 | Vincent Marchetti Paris FC | 27-29 | 7.3% | 18.8% | -11.4% |
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, 14 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 €110.0M. 1 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hamza Rafia Esperance Tunis | €900K | €7.0M | -2.20 | Undervalued |
Samir El Mourabet RC Strasbourg Alsace | €8.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Paul Pogba AS Monaco | €5.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Matt O'Riley Olympique Marseille | €20.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mamadou Coulibaly AS Monaco | €8.0M | €7.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Pierrick Capelle Angers SCO | €200K | €7.0M | -0.92 | Good Value |
Amadou Haidara RC Lens | €6.0M | €7.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Hugo Magnetti Stade Brestois 29 | €6.0M | €7.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Moataz Zemzemi Club Africain | €550K | €7.0M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Simon Ebonog Le Havre AC | €1.0M | €7.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Rassoul Ndiaye Le Havre AC | €5.0M | €7.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Yassine Kechta Le Havre AC | €5.0M | €7.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Seko Fofana Stade Rennais FC | €8.0M | €7.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Haris Belkebla Angers SCO | €2.0M | €7.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Mohamed Kaba FC Nantes | €1.5M | €7.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Dehmaine Tabibou FC Nantes | €2.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mathis Amougou RC Strasbourg Alsace | €10.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Arthur Avom FC Lorient | €9.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ayyoub Bouaddi LOSC Lille | €40.0M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Branco van den Boomen Angers SCO | €2.5M | €7.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
