Best Centre-Backs in the MLS (Jun 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: MLS Centre-Backs 2024-25

Our database tracked 116 MLS Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 30 clubs with a combined market value of €153.1M. The average market value for MLS Centre-Backs was €1.3M, with the average age at 27.1 years old.

The most valuable centre-back in the MLS was Tomás Avilés, worth €4.5M and played for CF Montréal at 22 years old. The top 5 Centre-Backs averaged €4.0M in market value, including Micael and David Brekalo.

Age distribution showed the youngest tracked centre-back was Christopher Applewhite (18 years, Nashville SC, €150K), while the oldest was Tim Ream (38 years, Charlotte FC, €200K). Research shows Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.

Historical analysis showed 44 Centre-Backs (38%) 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.

💡 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.

Market Intelligence

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 30 clubs with €153.1M combined value.

116

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: MLS Centre-Backs

The MLS CB market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (32 players, 28% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €58.8M, averaging €1.9M per player.

U21 years6 players (5%)

€2.8MAvg: €471K

Top player: Noah Cobb (€1.0M)

21-23 years21 players (18%)

€23.5MAvg: €1.1M

Top player: Tomás Avilés (€4.5M)

24-26 years26 players (22%)

€36.1MAvg: €1.4M

Top player: Micael (€4.0M)

27-29 years31 players (27%)

€58.8MAvg: €1.9M

Top player: David Brekalo (€4.0M)

30+ years32 players (28%)

€31.8MAvg: €994K

Top player: Jakob Glesnes (€3.0M)

Top Centre-Backs by Age Bracket

U21 Years (6 players)

1. Noah Cobb(20yo)

€1.0M

2. Manu Duah(20yo)

€1.0M

3. Lazar Stefanović(19yo)

€300K

4. Finn Sundstrom(19yo)

€200K

5. Stuart Hawkins(19yo)

€175K

21-23 Years (21 players)

1. Tomás Avilés(22yo)

€4.5M

2. Fallou Fall(22yo)

€3.0M

3. Nicolás Romero(22yo)

€2.8M

4. Noah Eile(23yo)

€2.0M

5. Olwethu Makhanya(22yo)

€2.0M

24-26 Years (26 players)

1. Micael(25yo)

€4.0M

2. Mathías Laborda(26yo)

€3.5M

3. Justin Haak(24yo)

€2.5M

4. Jack Maher(26yo)

€2.5M

5. Maxwell Woledzi(24yo)

€2.0M

27-29 Years (31 players)

1. David Brekalo(27yo)

€4.0M

2. Enea Mihaj(27yo)

€4.0M

3. Miles Robinson(29yo)

€3.5M

4. Tristan Blackmon(29yo)

€3.5M

5. Justen Glad(29yo)

€3.0M

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

27%of market value

The top 12 Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €42.0M

1. Tomás Avilés€4.5M

2. Micael€4.0M

3. David Brekalo€4.0M

4. Enea Mihaj€4.0M

5. Miles Robinson€3.5M

Market Tiers

Emerging (<€5M)116 players (100%)

€153.1M

Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS CB pool.

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Tomás Avilés

CF Montréal€4.5M

2. Micael

Inter Miami CF€4.0M

3. David Brekalo

Orlando City SC€4.0M

4. Enea Mihaj

Atlanta United FC€4.0M

5. Miles Robinson

FC Cincinnati€3.5M

Club Distribution: MLS Centre-Backs

Among 30 MLS clubs, Vancouver Whitecaps FC leads with 5 Centre-Backs worth €10.9M (averaging €2.2M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 42% of tracked Centre-Backs.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

5 players • €10.9M

Atlanta United FC

5 players • €9.3M

Inter Miami CF

4 players • €8.3M

FC Cincinnati

5 players • €8.2M

CF Montréal

5 players • €7.7M

Los Angeles FC

4 players • €7.1M

Chicago Fire FC

4 players • €6.9M

Los Angeles Galaxy

6 players • €6.8M

St. Louis CITY SC

5 players • €5.9M

#10

Nashville SC

6 players • €5.7M

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (5 Centre-Backs)

Tristan Blackmon(29yo)

€3.5M

Mathías Laborda(26yo)

€3.5M

Ranko Veselinović(27yo)

€3.0M

Sebastian Schonlau(31yo)

€600K

Belal Halbouni(26yo)

€300K

Atlanta United FC (5 Centre-Backs)

Enea Mihaj(27yo)

€4.0M

Stian Gregersen(31yo)

€1.8M

Tomás Jacob(22yo)

€1.5M

Juan Berrocal(27yo)

€1.5M

Matthew Edwards(23yo)

€450K

Inter Miami CF (4 Centre-Backs)

Micael(25yo)

€4.0M

Gonzalo Luján(25yo)

€2.0M

Maximiliano Falcón(29yo)

€1.8M

Ian Fray(23yo)

€500K

FC Cincinnati (5 Centre-Backs)

Miles Robinson(29yo)

€3.5M

Matt Miazga(30yo)

€2.0M

Gilberto Flores(23yo)

€1.3M

Teenage Hadebe(30yo)

€1.0M

Nick Hagglund(33yo)

€350K

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

Tomás Avilés

CF Montréal • 22 years old

€3.9M

€4.5M

+15.6%

€4.2M€5.3M

Expected: €4.8M

50.9

Micael

Inter Miami CF • 25 years old

€3.5M

€4.0M

+15.6%

€3.4M€4.4M

Expected: €3.9M

49.1

David Brekalo

Orlando City SC • 27 years old

€4.2M

€4.0M

-5.4%

€3.1M€3.9M

Expected: €3.5M

48.8

Enea Mihaj

Atlanta United FC • 27 years old

€4.2M

€4.0M

-5.4%

€3.1M€3.9M

Expected: €3.5M

48.8

Miles Robinson

FC Cincinnati • 29 years old

€4.5M

€3.5M

-22.6%

€2.6M€3.2M

Expected: €2.9M

47.3

Tristan Blackmon

Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 29 years old

€4.5M

€3.5M

-22.6%

€2.6M€3.2M

Expected: €2.9M

47.3

Mathías Laborda

Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 26 years old

€3.0M

€3.5M

+15.6%

€3.2M€4.0M

Expected: €3.6M

47.0

Fallou Fall

St. Louis CITY SC • 22 years old

€2.6M

€3.0M

+15.6%

€2.8M€3.6M

Expected: €3.2M

42.3

Jakob Glesnes

Los Angeles Galaxy • 32 years old

€3.9M

€3.0M

-22.6%

€2.3M€2.9M

Expected: €2.6M

42.2

#10

Rob Holding

Colorado Rapids • 30 years old

€3.9M

€3.0M

-22.6%

€2.2M€2.8M

Expected: €2.5M

41.9

#11

Justen Glad

Real Salt Lake City • 29 years old

€3.9M

€3.0M

-22.6%

€2.2M€2.8M

Expected: €2.5M

41.8

#12

Malte Amundsen

Columbus Crew • 28 years old

€3.9M

€3.0M

-22.6%

€2.3M€2.9M

Expected: €2.6M

41.7

#13

Ranko Veselinović

Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 27 years old

€3.2M

€3.0M

-5.4%

€2.3M€2.9M

Expected: €2.6M

41.6

#15

Jackson Ragen

Seattle Sounders FC • 27 years old

€3.2M

€3.0M

-5.4%

€2.3M€2.9M

Expected: €2.6M

41.6

#14

Ryan Porteous

Los Angeles FC • 27 years old

€3.2M

€3.0M

-5.4%

€2.3M€2.9M

Expected: €2.6M

41.6

#16

Nicolás Romero

Minnesota United FC • 22 years old

€2.4M

€2.8M

+15.6%

€2.6M€3.3M

Expected: €3.0M

41.4

#17

Justin Haak

Los Angeles Galaxy • 24 years old

€2.2M

€2.5M

+15.6%

€2.3M€2.9M

Expected: €2.6M

40.2

#18

Thiago Martins

New York City FC • 31 years old

€3.2M

€2.5M

-22.6%

€1.8M€2.3M

Expected: €2.1M

39.8

#19

Joel Waterman

Chicago Fire FC • 30 years old

€3.2M

€2.5M

-22.6%

€1.8M€2.3M

Expected: €2.1M

39.7

#20

Jack Elliott

Chicago Fire FC • 30 years old

€3.2M

€2.5M

-22.6%

€1.8M€2.3M

Expected: €2.1M

39.7

...

Showing 1-20 of 116

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)

CF Montréal's Tomás Avilés at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 9.00×. That means Tomás Avilés is valued 9.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.

In second is St. Louis CITY SC's Fallou Fall, who is 22 years old, with a 6.00× PPVE. Third is Nicolás Romero of Minnesota United FC, who is 22 years old with a 5.60× 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 9.00× means the player is worth 800% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Tomás AvilésCF Montréal

21-23 • 22yo9.00×

€4.5M • 800% above median

Fallou FallSt. Louis CITY SC

21-23 • 22yo6.00×

€3.0M • 500% above median

Nicolás RomeroMinnesota United FC

21-23 • 22yo5.60×

€2.8M • 460% above median

Olwethu MakhanyaPhiladelphia Union

21-23 • 22yo4.00×

€2.0M • 300% above median

Noah EileNew York Red Bulls

21-23 • 23yo4.00×

€2.0M • 300% above median

Manu DuahSan Diego FC

U21 • 20yo3.33×

€1.0M • 233% above median

MicaelInter Miami CF

24-26 • 25yo3.33×

€4.0M • 233% above median

Noah CobbColorado Rapids

U21 • 20yo3.33×

€1.0M • 233% above median

Tomás JacobAtlanta United FC

21-23 • 22yo3.00×

€1.5M • 200% above median

Gilberto FloresFC Cincinnati

21-23 • 23yo2.60×

€1.3M • 160% above median

Mateja DjordjevićAustin FC

21-23 • 23yo2.40×

€1.2M • 140% above median

Justin HaakLos Angeles Galaxy

24-26 • 24yo2.08×

€2.5M • 108% above median

Osaze UrhoghideFC Dallas

24-26 • 25yo1.67×

€2.0M • 67% above median

Maxwell WoledziNashville SC

24-26 • 24yo1.67×

€2.0M • 67% above median

Gonzalo LujánInter Miami CF

24-26 • 25yo1.67×

€2.0M • 67% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Tomás Avilés CF Montréal	22	21-23	€4.5M	€500K	9.00×
#2	Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC	22	21-23	€3.0M	€500K	6.00×
#3	Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC	22	21-23	€2.8M	€500K	5.60×
#4	Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union	22	21-23	€2.0M	€500K	4.00×
#5	Noah Eile New York Red Bulls	23	21-23	€2.0M	€500K	4.00×
#6	Manu Duah San Diego FC	20	U21	€1.0M	€300K	3.33×
#7	Micael Inter Miami CF	25	24-26	€4.0M	€1.2M	3.33×
#8	Noah Cobb Colorado Rapids	20	U21	€1.0M	€300K	3.33×
#9	Tomás Jacob Atlanta United FC	22	21-23	€1.5M	€500K	3.00×
#10	Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati	23	21-23	€1.3M	€500K	2.60×
#11	Mateja Djordjević Austin FC	23	21-23	€1.2M	€500K	2.40×
#12	Justin Haak Los Angeles Galaxy	24	24-26	€2.5M	€1.2M	2.08×
#13	Osaze Urhoghide FC Dallas	25	24-26	€2.0M	€1.2M	1.67×
#14	Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC	24	24-26	€2.0M	€1.2M	1.67×
#15	Gonzalo Luján Inter Miami CF	25	24-26	€2.0M	€1.2M	1.67×
#16	Jalen Neal CF Montréal	22	21-23	€800K	€500K	1.60×
#17	Brayan Ceballos New England Revolution	25	24-26	€1.8M	€1.2M	1.50×
#18	Jefferson Díaz Minnesota United FC	25	24-26	€1.5M	€1.2M	1.25×
#19	Felipe Andrade Houston Dynamo FC	24	24-26	€1.5M	€1.2M	1.25×
#20	Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC	19	U21	€300K	€300K	1.00×

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)

Nashville SC's Christopher Applewhite at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Christopher Applewhite is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.

In second is Toronto FC's Lazar Stefanović, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Finn Sundstrom of Philadelphia Union, 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 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

Christopher ApplewhiteNashville SC

8yr to peak+44%

€150K → €268K

Lazar StefanovićToronto FC

7yr to peak+40%

€300K → €499K

Finn SundstromPhiladelphia Union

7yr to peak+40%

€200K → €332K

Stuart HawkinsSeattle Sounders FC

7yr to peak+40%

€175K → €291K

Manu DuahSan Diego FC

6yr to peak+35%

€1.0M → €1.5M

Noah CobbColorado Rapids

6yr to peak+35%

€1.0M → €1.5M

Thomas WilliamsNashville SC

5yr to peak+30%

€175K → €252K

Álvaro AugustoFC Dallas

5yr to peak+30%

€200K → €287K

Nicolás RomeroMinnesota United FC

4yr to peak+25%

€2.8M → €3.7M

Olwethu MakhanyaPhiladelphia Union

4yr to peak+25%

€2.0M → €2.7M

Reid RobertsSan Jose Earthquakes

4yr to peak+25%

€500K → €668K

Tomás AvilésCF Montréal

4yr to peak+25%

€4.5M → €6.0M

Zane MonlouisToronto FC

4yr to peak+25%

€400K → €535K

Jalen NealCF Montréal

4yr to peak+25%

€800K → €1.1M

Brandan CraigCF Montréal

4yr to peak+25%

€450K → €602K

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC	18	8	€150K	€268K	+44%
#2	Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC	19	7	€300K	€499K	+40%
#3	Finn Sundstrom Philadelphia Union	19	7	€200K	€332K	+40%
#4	Stuart Hawkins Seattle Sounders FC	19	7	€175K	€291K	+40%
#5	Manu Duah San Diego FC	20	6	€1.0M	€1.5M	+35%
#6	Noah Cobb Colorado Rapids	20	6	€1.0M	€1.5M	+35%
#7	Thomas Williams Nashville SC	21	5	€175K	€252K	+30%
#8	Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas	21	5	€200K	€287K	+30%
#9	Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC	22	4	€2.8M	€3.7M	+25%
#10	Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union	22	4	€2.0M	€2.7M	+25%
#11	Reid Roberts San Jose Earthquakes	22	4	€500K	€668K	+25%
#12	Tomás Avilés CF Montréal	22	4	€4.5M	€6.0M	+25%
#13	Zane Monlouis Toronto FC	22	4	€400K	€535K	+25%
#14	Jalen Neal CF Montréal	22	4	€800K	€1.1M	+25%
#15	Brandan Craig CF Montréal	22	4	€450K	€602K	+25%
#16	Efraín Morales CF Montréal	22	4	€400K	€535K	+25%
#17	Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC	22	4	€3.0M	€4.0M	+25%
#18	Tomás Jacob Atlanta United FC	22	4	€1.5M	€2.0M	+25%
#19	Mateja Djordjević Austin FC	23	3	€1.2M	€1.5M	+20%
#20	Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis CITY SC	23	3	€300K	€373K	+20%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Nashville SC's Christopher Applewhite has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Christopher Applewhite has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.

In second is Toronto FC's Lazar Stefanović with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Stuart Hawkins of Seattle Sounders FC with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Christopher ApplewhiteNashville SC

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €160K - €211K

Lazar StefanovićToronto FC

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €308K - €407K

Stuart HawkinsSeattle Sounders FC

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €180K - €237K

Finn SundstromPhiladelphia Union

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €205K - €271K

Manu DuahSan Diego FC

↑15% / ±0%46.3

Range: €988K - €1.3M

Noah CobbColorado Rapids

↑15% / ±0%46.3

Range: €988K - €1.3M

Thomas WilliamsNashville SC

↑10% / ±0%33.7

Range: €166K - €220K

Álvaro AugustoFC Dallas

↑10% / ±0%33.7

Range: €190K - €251K

Ian PilcherSan Diego FC

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €471K - €600K

Noah EileNew York Red Bulls

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €1.9M - €2.4M

Ian FrayInter Miami CF

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €471K - €600K

Mateja DjordjevićAustin FC

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €1.1M - €1.4M

Mamadou MbackeSt. Louis CITY SC

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €283K - €360K

Ascel EssengueLos Angeles Galaxy

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €141K - €180K

Gilberto FloresFC Cincinnati

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €1.2M - €1.6M

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC	€185K	€160K-211K	+23%	68.9
#2	Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC	€357K	€308K-407K	+19%	58.0
#3	Stuart Hawkins Seattle Sounders FC	€208K	€180K-237K	+19%	58.0
#4	Finn Sundstrom Philadelphia Union	€238K	€205K-271K	+19%	58.0
#5	Manu Duah San Diego FC	€1.1M	€988K-1.3M	+15%	46.3
#6	Noah Cobb Colorado Rapids	€1.1M	€988K-1.3M	+15%	46.3
#7	Thomas Williams Nashville SC	€193K	€166K-220K	+10%	33.7
#8	Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas	€221K	€190K-251K	+10%	33.7
#9	Ian Pilcher San Diego FC	€535K	€471K-600K	+7%	27.5
#10	Noah Eile New York Red Bulls	€2.1M	€1.9M-2.4M	+7%	27.5
#11	Ian Fray Inter Miami CF	€535K	€471K-600K	+7%	27.5
#12	Mateja Djordjević Austin FC	€1.3M	€1.1M-1.4M	+7%	27.5
#13	Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis CITY SC	€321K	€283K-360K	+7%	27.5
#14	Ascel Essengue Los Angeles Galaxy	€161K	€141K-180K	+7%	27.5
#15	Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati	€1.4M	€1.2M-1.6M	+7%	27.5
#16	Matthew Edwards Atlanta United FC	€482K	€424K-540K	+7%	27.5
#17	Max Floriani San Jose Earthquakes	€428K	€377K-480K	+7%	27.5
#18	Tomás Avilés CF Montréal	€4.8M	€4.2M-5.3M	+6%	23.0
#19	Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC	€3.0M	€2.6M-3.3M	+6%	23.0
#20	Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union	€2.1M	€1.9M-2.4M	+6%	23.0

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: centre-back position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

116

Total Players

-0.00

Avg Z-Score

-0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Tomás Avilés+2.98

Micael+2.51

David Brekalo+2.51

Enea Mihaj+2.51

Miles Robinson+2.04

Lowest Z-Scores

Keegan Hughes-1.12

Christopher Applewhite-1.10

Andrew Farrell-1.10

Kee-hee Kim-1.10

Ascel Essengue-1.10

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

San Diego FC's Christopher McVey in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +11.7%. That means David Brekalo captures 38.4% of total market value while representing only 26.7% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.

In second is Real Salt Lake City's Justen Glad with a +11.7% ASC (38.4% value share vs 26.7% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Ranko Veselinović of Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a +11.7% ASC (38.4% value vs 26.7% players in 27-29 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +11.7% ASC means the player captures 11.7% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.