Best Attacking Midfielders in the MLS (Oct 2026)
38 players tracked across 23 clubs. Updated October 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.
Evander
Football Club Cincinnati • 28 years old
€16.9M
€16.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €13.4M
69.6
Martín Ojeda
Orlando City Soccer Club • 27 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
58.8
Aleksey Miranchuk
Atlanta United Football Club • 30 years old
€9.7M
€7.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.0M
56.8
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.8M
54.7
Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC • 31 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.0M
54.2
Pep Biel
Charlotte Football Club • 30 years old
€7.1M
€5.5M
-22.6%
53.0
Djordje Mihailovic
Toronto FC • 27 years old
€4.8M
€5.5M
+15.6%
52.6
David Da Costa
Portland Timbers • 25 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
52.4
Onni Valakari
San Diego Football Club • 27 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
51.5
Iván Jaime
Club de Foot Montréal • 26 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
49.1
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Sign up freeEvander
Football Club Cincinnati · 28 years old
69.6
ASI
Current Value
€16.0M
% Change
-5.4%
1yr Forecast Range
€11.7M - €15.1M
Martín Ojeda
Orlando City Soccer Club · 27 years old
58.8
ASI
Current Value
€9.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€7.5M - €9.8M
Aleksey Miranchuk
Atlanta United Football Club · 30 years old
56.8
ASI
Current Value
€7.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.3M - €5.6M
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids · 23 years old
54.7
ASI
Current Value
€6.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€5.1M - €6.6M
Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC · 31 years old
54.2
ASI
Current Value
€6.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€3.5M - €4.5M
Pep Biel
Charlotte Football Club · 30 years old
53.0
ASI
Current Value
€5.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Djordje Mihailovic
Toronto FC · 27 years old
52.6
ASI
Current Value
€5.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
David Da Costa
Portland Timbers · 25 years old
52.4
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Onni Valakari
San Diego Football Club · 27 years old
51.5
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Iván Jaime
Club de Foot Montréal · 26 years old
49.1
ASI
Current Value
€4.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: MLS Attacking Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 38 MLS Attacking Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 23 clubs with a combined market value of €117.0M. The average market value for MLS Attacking Midfielders is €3.1M, with the average age at 26 years old.
The most valuable attacking midfielder in the MLS is Evander, worth €16.0M and playing for Football Club Cincinnati at 28 years old. The top 5 Attacking Midfielders average €8.9M in market value, including Martín Ojeda and Aleksey Miranchuk.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked attacking midfielder is Cristiano Oliveira (18 years, New England Revolution, €125K), while the oldest is Marco Reus (37 years, Los Angeles Galaxy, €1.5M). Research shows Attacking Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 14 Attacking Midfielders (37%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Attacking Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Attacking Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 23 clubs with €117.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Attacking Midfielders
The MLS CAM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (10 players, 26% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €46.2M, averaging €5.8M per player.
Top Attacking Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (6 players)
24-26 Years (9 players)
27-29 Years (8 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Attacking Midfielders (11% of players) control €38.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the MLS CAM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Attacking Midfielders
Among 23 MLS clubs, Football Club Cincinnati leads with 3 Attacking Midfielders worth €18.2M (averaging €6.1M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 45% of tracked Attacking Midfielders.
Football Club Cincinnati (3 Attacking Midfielders)
Orlando City Soccer Club (1 Attacking Midfielders)
Portland Timbers (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Atlanta United Football Club (1 Attacking Midfielders)
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)
Portland Timbers's David Da Costa at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.78×. That means David Da Costa is valued 2.78× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Club de Foot Montréal's Olger Escobar, who is 20 years old, with a 2.50× PPVE. Third is Paxten Aaronson of Colorado Rapids, who is 23 years old with a 2.00× 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 2.78× means the player is worth 178% 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 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €1.8M | 2.78x |
| #2 | Olger Escobar Club de Foot Montréal | 20 | U21 | €500K | €200K | 2.50x |
| #3 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00x |
| #4 | Cole Bassett Portland Timbers | 25 | 24-26 | €3.5M | €1.8M | 1.94x |
| #5 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | 19 | U21 | €300K | €200K | 1.50x |
| #6 | Liam MacKenzie Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 19 | U21 | €200K | €200K | 1.00x |
| #7 | Wikelman Carmona Club de Foot Montréal | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00x |
| #8 | Joaquín Valiente FC Dallas | 25 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.8M | 1.00x |
| #9 | Amin Boudri Los Angeles Football Club | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00x |
| #10 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | U21 | €175K | €200K | 0.87x |
| #11 | Gabriel Pirani D.C. United | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.8M | 0.83x |
| #12 | Theodore Ku-DiPietro Colorado Rapids | 24 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €1.8M | 0.67x |
| #13 | Bryce Duke San Diego Football Club | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €1.8M | 0.67x |
| #14 | Cristiano Oliveira New England Revolution | 18 | U21 | €125K | €200K | 0.63x |
| #15 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €3.0M | 0.60x |
| #16 | Gerardo Valenzuela Football Club Cincinnati | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €3.0M | 0.60x |
| #17 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €3.0M | 0.33x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for MLS Attacking Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for MLS Attacking Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for MLS Attacking Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for MLS Attacking Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank MLS Attacking Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for attacking midfielders, 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 CAM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS attacking midfielders, 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 MLS attacking midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
MLS 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.
CAM Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
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 27: +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: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for attacking midfielders
• 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 MLS Attacking Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Attacking Midfielders in the MLS right now?
The most valuable attacking midfielder in the MLS today is Evander, who is worth €16.0M and plays for Football Club Cincinnati. The second most valuable is Martín Ojeda (€9.0M, Orlando City Soccer Club), followed by Aleksey Miranchuk (€7.5M, Atlanta United Football Club). Our database tracks 38 MLS Attacking Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are MLS Attacking Midfielders ranked?
MLS Attacking Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Attacking Midfielders. 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 MLS 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 Attacking Midfielders peak?
Attacking midfielders typically peak at age 27, in line with other midfielders. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, and steeper from 30. This position demands high technical ability, creativity, and burst acceleration. The optimal playing time is around 2,400 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top attacking midfielder from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Attacking Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked attacking midfielder Evander (market value: €16.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €12.8M to €22.4M 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 MLS transactions.
What is the value forecast for MLS Attacking Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Attacking Midfielders 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-midfielders have ±12-15% 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 MLS attacking midfielder data come from?
Our MLS attacking midfielder 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 MLS sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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