Best Centre-Backs in the MLS (Jul 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 32 MLS Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 23 clubs with a combined market value of €47.3M. The average market value for MLS Centre-Backs was €1.5M, with the average age at 29 years old.
The most valuable centre-back in the MLS was Enea Mihaj, worth €4.0M and played for Atlanta United Football Club at 28 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €2.8M in market value, including Rob Holding and Malte Amundsen.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Zane Monlouis (22 years, Toronto FC, €400K), while the oldest was Tim Ream (38 years, Charlotte Football Club, €800K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 8 Centre-Backs (25%) 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 Centre-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2024-25 season.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 23 clubs with €47.3M combined value.
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.
Age Distribution: MLS Centre-Backs
The MLS CB market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (15 players, 47% of market). The 30+ age group holds the most value at €22.8M, averaging €1.5M per player.
Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (2 players)
24-26 Years (5 players)
27-29 Years (10 players)
30+ Years (15 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Centre-Backs (13% of players) control €12.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS CB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Centre-Backs
Among 23 MLS clubs, Atlanta United Football Club leads with 3 Centre-Backs worth €7.5M (averaging €2.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 59% of tracked Centre-Backs.
Atlanta United Football Club (3 Centre-Backs)
Colorado Rapids (2 Centre-Backs)
Columbus Crew (3 Centre-Backs)
St. Louis City Soccer Club (2 Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Enea Mihaj
Atlanta United Football Club • 28 years old
€4.2M
€4.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.5M
49.4
Rob Holding
Colorado Rapids • 30 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
42.6
Malte Amundsen
Columbus Crew • 28 years old
€2.6M
€2.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €2.2M
39.8
Ryan Porteous
Los Angeles Football Club • 27 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
39.6
Mamadou Mbacke
St. Louis City Soccer Club • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.8
Sebastian Schonlau
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 31 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.8
Stian Gregersen
Atlanta United Football Club • 31 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.8
Oleksandr Svatok
Austin FC • 31 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.8
Teenage Hadebe
Football Club Cincinnati • 30 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.5
Brayan Ceballos
New England Revolution • 25 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.8M
36.4
Timo Baumgartl
St. Louis City Soccer Club • 30 years old
€2.3M
€1.8M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.5M
36.2
Matt Miazga
Football Club Cincinnati • 30 years old
€2.3M
€1.8M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.5M
36.2
Mamadou Fofana
New England Revolution • 28 years old
€1.9M
€1.8M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.6M
35.7
Dario Zuparic
Portland Timbers • 34 years old
€1.9M
€1.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.3M
34.8
Erik Sviatchenko
Houston Dynamo • 34 years old
€1.9M
€1.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.3M
34.8
Robert Voloder
Red Bull New York • 25 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
34.1
Joaquín Fernández
Sporting Kansas City • 30 years old
€1.9M
€1.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.3M
33.9
Juan Berrocal
Atlanta United Football Club • 27 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.1
Andreas Maxsø
Colorado Rapids • 32 years old
€1.5M
€1.2M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.0M
31.5
Kye Rowles
D.C. United • 28 years old
€1.3M
€1.2M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.1M
30.5
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)
New England Revolution's Brayan Ceballos at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.20×. That means Brayan Ceballos is valued 1.20× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Red Bull New York's Robert Voloder, who is 25 years old, with a 1.00× PPVE. Third is Mamadou Mbacke of St. Louis City Soccer Club, who is 23 years old with a 1.00× 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 1.20× means the player is worth 20% 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 | Brayan Ceballos New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20× |
| #2 | Robert Voloder Red Bull New York | 25 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #3 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #4 | Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC | 25 | 24-26 | €400K | €1.5M | 0.27× |
| #5 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | 22 | 21-23 | €400K | €2.0M | 0.20× |
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)
Toronto FC's Zane Monlouis at 22 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +30%. That means Zane Monlouis is projected to appreciate 30% as they reach their peak age in 4 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is St. Louis City Soccer Club's Mamadou Mbacke, who is 23 years old, with a +25% RPP (3 years to peak). Third is Robert Voloder of Red Bull New York, who is 25 years old with a +14% RPP (1 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 30% RPP means the player is expected to gain 30% 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 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | 22 | 4 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #2 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #3 | Robert Voloder Red Bull New York | 25 | 1 | €1.5M | €1.7M | +14% |
| #4 | Brayan Ceballos New England Revolution | 25 | 1 | €1.8M | €2.1M | +14% |
| #5 | Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC | 25 | 1 | €400K | €462K | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Toronto FC's Zane Monlouis has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.5. That means Zane Monlouis has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is St. Louis City Soccer Club's Mamadou Mbacke with a 27.6 RAU (6% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ryan Porteous of Los Angeles Football Club with a 14.4 RAU (3% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 46.5 means the upside is 46.5× 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 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | €441K | €397K-485K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #2 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.3M | +6% | 27.6 |
| #3 | Ryan Porteous Los Angeles Football Club | €2.6M | €2.3M-2.8M | +3% | 14.4 |
| #4 | Brayan Vera Club de Foot Montréal | €1.0M | €927K-1.1M | +3% | 14.4 |
| #5 | Juan Berrocal Atlanta United Football Club | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +3% | 14.4 |
| #6 | Brayan Ceballos New England Revolution | €1.8M | €1.7M-2.0M | +2% | 11.8 |
| #7 | Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC | €410K | €369K-451K | +2% | 11.8 |
| #8 | Robert Voloder Red Bull New York | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +2% | 11.8 |
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: centre-back 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)
Philadelphia Union's Japhet Sery Larsen in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-4.6%. That means Brayan Ceballos captures 11.0% of total market value while representing only 15.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Red Bull New York's Robert Voloder with a +-4.6% ASC (11.0% value share vs 15.6% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is Osaze Urhoghide of FC Dallas with a +-4.6% ASC (11.0% value vs 15.6% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-4.6% ASC means the player captures -4.6% 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 | Japhet Sery Larsen Philadelphia Union | 24-26 | 11.0% | 15.6% | -4.6% |
| #2 | Robert Voloder Red Bull New York | 24-26 | 11.0% | 15.6% | -4.6% |
| #3 | Osaze Urhoghide FC Dallas | 24-26 | 11.0% | 15.6% | -4.6% |
| #4 | Brayan Ceballos New England Revolution | 24-26 | 11.0% | 15.6% | -4.6% |
| #5 | Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC | 24-26 | 11.0% | 15.6% | -4.6% |
| #6 | Yevgen Cheberko Columbus Crew | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #7 | Malte Amundsen Columbus Crew | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #8 | Kye Rowles D.C. United | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #9 | Strahinja Tanasijević New York City Football Club | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #10 | Mamadou Fofana New England Revolution | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #11 | Ryan Porteous Los Angeles Football Club | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #12 | Enea Mihaj Atlanta United Football Club | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #13 | Juan Berrocal Atlanta United Football Club | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #14 | Brayan Vera Club de Foot Montréal | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #15 | Bruno Wilson San Jose Earthquakes | 27-29 | 35.7% | 31.3% | +4.5% |
| #16 | Tim Ream Charlotte Football Club | 30+ | 48.2% | 46.9% | +1.3% |
| #17 | Dario Zuparic Portland Timbers | 30+ | 48.2% | 46.9% | +1.3% |
| #18 | Rudy Camacho Columbus Crew | 30+ | 48.2% | 46.9% | +1.3% |
| #19 | Timo Baumgartl St. Louis City Soccer Club | 30+ | 48.2% | 46.9% | +1.3% |
| #20 | Sebastian Schonlau Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 30+ | 48.2% | 46.9% | +1.3% |
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, 2 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 €2.0M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | €400K | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Rudy Camacho Columbus Crew | €500K | €1.5M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Maya Yoshida Los Angeles Galaxy | €500K | €1.5M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Brendan Hines-Ike Austin FC | €700K | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Strahinja Tanasijević New York City Football Club | €500K | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Tim Ream Charlotte Football Club | €800K | €1.5M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC | €400K | €1.5M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Bruno Wilson San Jose Earthquakes | €900K | €1.5M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Osaze Urhoghide FC Dallas | €600K | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Yevgen Cheberko Columbus Crew | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Brayan Vera Club de Foot Montréal | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Andreas Maxsø Colorado Rapids | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Kye Rowles D.C. United | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Dario Zuparic Portland Timbers | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joaquín Fernández Sporting Kansas City | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Japhet Sery Larsen Philadelphia Union | €900K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Juan Berrocal Atlanta United Football Club | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Erik Sviatchenko Houston Dynamo | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | €2.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mamadou Fofana New England Revolution | €1.8M | €1.5M | +0.20 | Fair Value |
How We Rank MLS Centre-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for centre-backs, 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 CB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS centre-backs, 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 centre-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 27 with 5.0%/year decline rate. 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.
CB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: 5.0% per year (moderate decline as positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Defender -5.0%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak
• 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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for centre-backs
• 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 Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season
Who are the most valuable Centre-Backs in the MLS in 2024-25?
The most valuable centre-back in the MLS in 2024-25 is Enea Mihaj, who is worth €4.0M and plays for Atlanta United Football Club. The second most valuable is Rob Holding (€3.0M, Colorado Rapids), followed by Malte Amundsen (€2.5M, Columbus Crew). Our database tracks 32 MLS Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2024-25 season.
How are MLS Centre-Backs ranked?
MLS Centre-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Centre-Backs. 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 Centre-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 27, with a decline rate of 5.0% per year after peak. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top centre-back from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked centre-back Enea Mihaj (market value: €4.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €3.2M to €5.6M 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 Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Centre-Backs based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), 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-defenders have ±10% 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 centre-back data come from?
Our MLS centre-back 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 for the 2024-25 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.