Best Attacking Midfielders in the MLS (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: MLS Attacking Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 26 MLS Attacking Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 20 clubs with a combined market value of €117.5M. The average market value for MLS Attacking Midfielders was €4.5M, with the average age at 27.2 years old.
The most valuable attacking midfielder in the MLS was Evander, worth €14.0M and played for FC Cincinnati at 27 years old. The top 5 Attacking Midfielders averaged €9.2M in market value, including Aleksey Miranchuk and Diego Rossi.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked attacking midfielder was Alexis Fariña (20 years, Minnesota United FC, €1.0M), while the oldest was Marco Reus (36 years, Los Angeles Galaxy, €2.0M). Research shows Attacking Midfielders typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 6 Attacking Midfielders (23%) 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 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 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 20 clubs with €117.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Attacking Midfielders
The MLS CAM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (10 players, 38% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €55.0M, averaging €5.5M per player.
Top Attacking Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (3 players)
24-26 Years (5 players)
27-29 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Attacking Midfielders (12% of players) control €31.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 42% of the MLS CAM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Attacking Midfielders
Among 20 MLS clubs, FC Cincinnati leads with 2 Attacking Midfielders worth €15.2M (averaging €7.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 58% of tracked Attacking Midfielders.
FC Cincinnati (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Colorado Rapids (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Columbus Crew (2 Attacking Midfielders)
Portland Timbers (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
€14.8M
€14.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €12.7M
67.8
Aleksey Miranchuk
Atlanta United FC • 30 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.4M
58.8
Diego Rossi
Columbus Crew • 27 years old
€9.0M
€8.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €7.4M
58.0
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
58.0
Djordje Mihailovic
Toronto FC • 27 years old
€6.9M
€6.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.7M
54.7
David Da Costa
Portland Timbers • 24 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.1M
54.6
Nicolás Fernández Mercau
New York City FC • 25 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.9M
54.1
Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC • 30 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.9M
53.8
Ryan Gauld
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 29 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.9M
53.8
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
Cole Bassett
Colorado Rapids • 24 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.6
Andrew Moran
Los Angeles FC • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
47.8
Matías Rojas
Portland Timbers • 30 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
47.2
Amine Bassi
Houston Dynamo FC • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.0M
47.1
Manu García
Sporting Kansas City • 27 years old
€3.7M
€3.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.0M
47.1
Ondrej Lingr
Houston Dynamo FC • 27 years old
€3.2M
€3.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €2.6M
41.5
Carles Gil
New England Revolution • 33 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
39.5
André Franco
Chicago Fire FC • 27 years old
€2.6M
€2.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €2.2M
39.2
Marco Reus
Los Angeles Galaxy • 36 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.4
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 2.29×. That means Paxten Aaronson is valued 2.29× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Portland Timbers's David Da Costa, who is 24 years old, with a 1.20× PPVE. Third is Nicolás Fernández Mercau of New York City FC, who is 25 years old with a 1.20× 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 2.29× means the player is worth 129% 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 | €8.0M | €3.5M | 2.29× |
| #2 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | 24 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €5.0M | 1.20× |
| #3 | Nicolás Fernández Mercau New York City FC | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €5.0M | 1.20× |
| #4 | Iván Jaime CF Montréal | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #5 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €3.5M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | 24 | 24-26 | €4.0M | €5.0M | 0.80× |
| #8 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €3.5M | 0.51× |
| #9 | Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €5.0M | 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.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Minnesota United FC's Alexis Fariña at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Alexis Fariña is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Los Angeles FC's Andrew Moran, who is 22 years old, with a +25% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Paxten Aaronson of Colorado Rapids, who is 22 years old with a +25% RPP (4 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 35% RPP means the player is expected to gain 35% 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 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #2 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €4.7M | +25% |
| #3 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #4 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #5 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | 24 | 2 | €4.0M | €4.6M | +14% |
| #6 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | 24 | 2 | €6.0M | €6.9M | +14% |
| #7 | Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | 25 | 1 | €1.2M | €1.3M | +7% |
| #8 | Iván Jaime CF Montréal | 25 | 1 | €5.0M | €5.4M | +7% |
| #9 | Nicolás Fernández Mercau New York City FC | 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)
Minnesota United FC's Alexis Fariña has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 37.1. That means Alexis Fariña has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Los Angeles FC's Andrew Moran with a 18.4 RAU (6% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Paxten Aaronson of Colorado Rapids with a 18.4 RAU (6% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 37.1 means the upside is 37.1× 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 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | €1.1M | €949K-1.3M | +15% | 37.1 |
| #2 | Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | €3.7M | €3.1M-4.3M | +6% | 18.4 |
| #3 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | €8.5M | €7.2M-9.7M | +6% | 18.4 |
| #4 | Caden Clark D.C. United | €1.9M | €1.6M-2.2M | +6% | 18.4 |
| #5 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | €6.1M | €5.2M-7.1M | +2% | 7.8 |
| #6 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | €4.1M | €3.5M-4.7M | +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)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Ryan Gauld in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +8.3%. That means Evander captures 46.8% of total market value while representing only 38.5% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Charlotte FC's Pep Biel with a +8.3% ASC (46.8% value share vs 38.5% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Manu García of Sporting Kansas City with a +8.3% ASC (46.8% value vs 38.5% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +8.3% ASC means the player captures 8.3% 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 | Ryan Gauld Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #2 | Pep Biel Charlotte FC | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #3 | Manu García Sporting Kansas City | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #4 | Diego Rossi Columbus Crew | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #5 | Ondrej Lingr Houston Dynamo FC | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #6 | Evander FC Cincinnati | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #7 | André Franco Chicago Fire FC | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #8 | Djordje Mihailovic Toronto FC | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #9 | Amine Bassi Houston Dynamo FC | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #10 | Dylan Chambost Columbus Crew | 27-29 | 46.8% | 38.5% | +8.3% |
| #11 | Carles Gil New England Revolution | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #12 | Hany Mukhtar Nashville SC | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #13 | Erik Thommy Sporting Kansas City | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #14 | Yuya Kubo FC Cincinnati | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #15 | Aleksey Miranchuk Atlanta United FC | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #16 | Marco Reus Los Angeles Galaxy | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #17 | Matías Rojas Portland Timbers | 30+ | 22.1% | 26.9% | -4.8% |
| #18 | Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | U21 | 0.9% | 3.8% | -3.0% |
| #19 | Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | 24-26 | 18.9% | 19.2% | -0.3% |
| #20 | Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | 24-26 | 18.9% | 19.2% | -0.3% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 4 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 13 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €9.0M. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Yuya Kubo FC Cincinnati | €1.2M | €3.5M | -1.14 | Good Value |
Hany Mukhtar Nashville SC | €6.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tomas Ostrák St. Louis CITY SC | €1.2M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dylan Chambost Columbus Crew | €2.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Iván Jaime CF Montréal | €5.0M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Caden Clark D.C. United | €1.8M | €3.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
André Franco Chicago Fire FC | €2.5M | €3.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Pep Biel Charlotte FC | €5.5M | €3.5M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Erik Thommy Sporting Kansas City | €1.8M | €3.5M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Ryan Gauld Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €6.0M | €3.5M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Aleksey Miranchuk Atlanta United FC | €9.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ondrej Lingr Houston Dynamo FC | €3.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Marco Reus Los Angeles Galaxy | €2.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Djordje Mihailovic Toronto FC | €6.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Cole Bassett Colorado Rapids | €4.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
David Da Costa Portland Timbers | €6.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Andrew Moran Los Angeles FC | €3.5M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nicolás Fernández Mercau New York City FC | €6.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | €8.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Alexis Fariña Minnesota United FC | €1.0M | €3.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |