Best Attacking Midfielders in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: MLS Attacking Midfielders 2022-23
Our database tracked 36 MLS Attacking Midfielders in the 2022-23 season, representing 25 clubs with a combined market value of €139.5M. The average market value for MLS Attacking Midfielders was €3.9M, with the average age at 26.1 years old.
The most valuable attacking midfielder in the MLS was Evander, worth €16.0M and played for FC Cincinnati at 27 years old. The top 5 Attacking Midfielders averaged €9.5M in market value, including Diego Rossi and Aleksey Miranchuk.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked attacking midfielder was Allan Oyirwoth (19 years, New England Revolution, €400K), while the oldest was Marco Reus (37 years, Los Angeles Galaxy, €1.8M). Research shows Attacking Midfielders typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 18 Attacking Midfielders (50%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Attacking Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 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 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 25 clubs with €139.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Attacking Midfielders
The MLS CAM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (12 players, 33% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €53.5M, averaging €6.7M per player.
Top Attacking Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (5 players)
24-26 Years (12 players)
27-29 Years (8 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Attacking Midfielders (11% of players) control €40.5M
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 25 MLS clubs, FC Cincinnati leads with 1 Attacking Midfielders worth €16.0M (averaging €16.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 42% of tracked Attacking Midfielders.
FC Cincinnati (1 Attacking Midfielders)
Columbus Crew (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Colorado Rapids (3 Attacking Midfielders)
Houston Dynamo FC (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Evander
FC Cincinnati • 27 years old
€16.9M
€16.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €14.5M
69.5
Diego Rossi
Columbus Crew • 28 years old
€11.0M
€8.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.4M
58.0
Aleksey Miranchuk
Atlanta United FC • 30 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
57.3
Martín Ojeda
Orlando City SC • 27 years old
€8.5M
€8.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €7.0M
57.2
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.3
Djordje Mihailovic
Toronto FC • 27 years old
€6.9M
€6.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.7M
54.7
Mateusz Bogusz
Houston Dynamo FC • 24 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.1M
54.6
David Da Costa
Portland Timbers • 25 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.9M
54.1
Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC • 31 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.9M
53.8
Nicolás Fernández Mercau
New York City FC • 26 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.2M
53.7
Pep Biel
Charlotte FC • 29 years old
€7.1M
€5.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.5M
52.7
Iván Jaime
CF Montréal • 25 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.9M
51.9
Dániel Gazdag
Columbus Crew • 30 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.1M
51.6
Ryan Gauld
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 30 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.1M
51.6
Onni Valakari
San Diego FC • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.4
Cole Bassett
Colorado Rapids • 24 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.6
Manu García
Sporting Kansas City • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.0M
47.1
Ondrej Lingr
Houston Dynamo FC • 27 years old
€3.7M
€3.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.0M
47.1
Albert Rusnák
Seattle Sounders FC • 31 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
41.6
Carles Gil
New England Revolution • 33 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
39.5
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)
Colorado Rapids's Paxten Aaronson at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.67×. That means Paxten Aaronson is valued 4.67× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Houston Dynamo FC's Mateusz Bogusz, who is 24 years old, with a 1.50× PPVE. Third is David Da Costa of Portland Timbers, who is 25 years old with a 1.50× 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 4.67× means the player is worth 367% 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 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.5M | 4.67× |
| #2 | Mateusz Bogusz Houston Dynamo FC | 24 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €4.0M | 1.50× |
| #3 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €4.0M | 1.50× |
| #4 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | 19 | U21 | €400K | €300K | 1.33× |
| #5 | Iván Jaime CF Montréal | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €4.0M | 1.25× |
| #6 | Wikelman Carmona New York Red Bulls | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20× |
| #7 | Olger Escobar CF Montréal | 19 | U21 | €300K | €300K | 1.00× |
| #8 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | U21 | €175K | €300K | 0.58× |
| #12 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 21 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.5M | 0.53× |
| #13 | Gabriel Pirani D.C. United | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €4.0M | 0.50× |
| #14 | Theodore Ku-DiPietro Colorado Rapids | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €4.0M | 0.38× |
| #15 | AZ Jackson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €4.0M | 0.38× |
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)
Los Angeles Galaxy's Rubén Ramos at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Allan Oyirwoth is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is CF Montréal's Olger Escobar, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Allan Oyirwoth of New England Revolution, who is 19 years old with a +40% RPP (7 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 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | 7 | €175K | €291K | +40% |
| #2 | Olger Escobar CF Montréal | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #3 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #4 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #5 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #6 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #7 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #8 | Wikelman Carmona New York Red Bulls | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
| #9 | Mateusz Bogusz Houston Dynamo FC | 24 | 2 | €6.0M | €6.9M | +14% |
| #10 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | 24 | 2 | €4.0M | €4.6M | +14% |
| #11 | Theodore Ku-DiPietro Colorado Rapids | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.7M | +14% |
| #12 | Gabriel Pirani D.C. United | 24 | 2 | €2.0M | €2.3M | +14% |
| #13 | AZ Jackson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.7M | +14% |
| #14 | Iván Jaime CF Montréal | 25 | 1 | €5.0M | €5.4M | +7% |
| #15 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | 25 | 1 | €6.0M | €6.5M | +7% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
CF Montréal's Olger Escobar has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.4. That means Olger Escobar has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Los Angeles Galaxy's Rubén Ramos with a 46.4 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Allan Oyirwoth of New England Revolution with a 46.4 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 46.4 means the upside is 46.4× 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 | Olger Escobar CF Montréal | €357K | €296K-419K | +19% | 46.4 |
| #2 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | €208K | €172K-244K | +19% | 46.4 |
| #3 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | €476K | €394K-558K | +19% | 46.4 |
| #4 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 26.9 |
| #5 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | €882K | €730K-1.0M | +10% | 26.9 |
| #6 | Wikelman Carmona New York Red Bulls | €1.9M | €1.6M-2.2M | +7% | 22.0 |
| #7 | Caden Clark D.C. United | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 22.0 |
| #8 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | €7.4M | €6.3M-8.5M | +6% | 18.4 |
| #9 | Onni Valakari San Diego FC | €5.1M | €4.4M-5.9M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #10 | Jeremy Rafanello Philadelphia Union | €206K | €175K-237K | +3% | 9.6 |
| #11 | Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | €1.0M | €875K-1.2M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #12 | Nicolás Fernández Mercau New York City FC | €6.2M | €5.3M-7.1M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #13 | Paxton Pomykal FC Dallas | €1.9M | €1.6M-2.1M | +3% | 9.6 |
| #14 | Mateusz Bogusz Houston Dynamo FC | €6.1M | €5.2M-7.1M | +2% | 7.8 |
| #15 | Theodore Ku-DiPietro Colorado Rapids | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.8M | +2% | 7.8 |
| #16 | AZ Jackson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.8M | +2% | 7.8 |
| #17 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | €4.1M | €3.5M-4.7M | +2% | 7.8 |
| #18 | Gabriel Pirani D.C. United | €2.0M | €1.7M-2.4M | +2% | 7.8 |
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: attacking 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)
Charlotte FC's Pep Biel in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +16.1%. That means Evander captures 38.4% of total market value while representing only 22.2% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sporting Kansas City's Manu García with a +16.1% ASC (38.4% value share vs 22.2% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Diego Rossi of Columbus Crew with a +16.1% ASC (38.4% value vs 22.2% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +16.1% ASC means the player captures 16.1% 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 | Pep Biel Charlotte FC | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #2 | Manu García Sporting Kansas City | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #3 | Diego Rossi Columbus Crew | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #4 | Ondrej Lingr Houston Dynamo FC | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #5 | Evander FC Cincinnati | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #6 | Martín Ojeda Orlando City SC | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #7 | André Franco Chicago Fire FC | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #8 | Djordje Mihailovic Toronto FC | 27-29 | 38.4% | 22.2% | +16.1% |
| #9 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | U21 | 0.6% | 8.3% | -7.7% |
| #10 | Olger Escobar CF Montréal | U21 | 0.6% | 8.3% | -7.7% |
| #11 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | U21 | 0.6% | 8.3% | -7.7% |
| #12 | Wikelman Carmona New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 9.0% | 13.9% | -4.9% |
| #13 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 21-23 | 9.0% | 13.9% | -4.9% |
| #14 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 9.0% | 13.9% | -4.9% |
| #15 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 21-23 | 9.0% | 13.9% | -4.9% |
| #16 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 21-23 | 9.0% | 13.9% | -4.9% |
| #17 | Onni Valakari San Diego FC | 24-26 | 28.7% | 33.3% | -4.7% |
| #18 | Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | 24-26 | 28.7% | 33.3% | -4.7% |
| #19 | Mateusz Bogusz Houston Dynamo FC | 24-26 | 28.7% | 33.3% | -4.7% |
| #20 | Paxton Pomykal FC Dallas | 24-26 | 28.7% | 33.3% | -4.7% |
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, 5 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 19 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 €16.0M. 1 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | €800K | €3.5M | -2.33 | Undervalued |
Jeremy Rafanello Philadelphia Union | €200K | €3.5M | -1.30 | Good Value |
Pep Biel Charlotte FC | €5.5M | €3.5M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Erik Thommy Los Angeles Galaxy | €1.2M | €3.5M | -1.08 | Good Value |
Onni Valakari San Diego FC | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
André Franco Chicago Fire FC | €2.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Iván Jaime CF Montréal | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Djordje Mihailovic Toronto FC | €6.5M | €3.5M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Marco Reus Los Angeles Galaxy | €1.8M | €3.5M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | €175K | €3.5M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | €1.0M | €3.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ryan Gauld Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €5.0M | €3.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Dániel Gazdag Columbus Crew | €5.0M | €3.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Olger Escobar CF Montréal | €300K | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Carles Gil New England Revolution | €2.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Hany Mukhtar Nashville SC | €6.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Manu García Sporting Kansas City | €3.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ondrej Lingr Houston Dynamo FC | €3.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Evander FC Cincinnati | €16.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mateusz Bogusz Houston Dynamo FC | €6.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |