Best Defensive Midfielders in the MLS (Oct 2026)
57 players tracked across 29 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.
James Sands
New York City Football Club • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.7M
51.9
Andrés Cubas
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 30 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.0M
50.5
Djé D'Avilla
Chicago Fire Soccer Club • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
49.7
Sergio Busquets
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 38 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.8M
48.9
Lucas Sanabria
Los Angeles Galaxy • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.6
Braian Ojeda
Orlando City Soccer Club • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
47.5
Edwin Cerrillo
Los Angeles Galaxy • 26 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
47.5
Kaick
FC Dallas • 20 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
46.7
Igor Jesus
Los Angeles Football Club • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
42.5
Hamzat Ojediran
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
42.1
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Sign up freeJames Sands
New York City Football Club · 26 years old
51.9
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.1M - €5.4M
Andrés Cubas
Vancouver Whitecaps FC · 30 years old
50.5
ASI
Current Value
€4.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.6M - €3.4M
Djé D'Avilla
Chicago Fire Soccer Club · 23 years old
49.7
ASI
Current Value
€4.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€3.4M - €4.4M
Sergio Busquets
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami · 38 years old
48.9
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.5M - €2.1M
Lucas Sanabria
Los Angeles Galaxy · 22 years old
47.6
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€3.1M - €4.0M
Braian Ojeda
Orlando City Soccer Club · 26 years old
47.5
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Edwin Cerrillo
Los Angeles Galaxy · 26 years old
47.5
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Kaick
FC Dallas · 20 years old
46.7
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Igor Jesus
Los Angeles Football Club · 23 years old
42.5
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Hamzat Ojediran
Colorado Rapids · 22 years old
42.1
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: MLS Defensive Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 57 MLS Defensive Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 29 clubs with a combined market value of €103.3M. The average market value for MLS Defensive Midfielders is €1.8M, with the average age at 27 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the MLS is James Sands, worth €5.0M and playing for New York City Football Club at 26 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €4.1M in market value, including Andrés Cubas and Djé D'Avilla.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Luis Otávio (19 years, Orlando City Soccer Club, €3.0M), while the oldest is Sergio Busquets (38 years, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, €3.5M). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 22 Defensive Midfielders (39%) 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 Defensive 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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 29 clubs with €103.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Defensive Midfielders
The MLS CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (19 players, 33% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €34.8M, averaging €1.8M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (6 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (19 players)
27-29 Years (9 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 6 Defensive Midfielders (11% of players) control €24.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 2% of the MLS CDM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Defensive Midfielders
Among 29 MLS clubs, New York City Football Club leads with 5 Defensive Midfielders worth €15.3M (averaging €3.1M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 53% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
New York City Football Club (5 Defensive Midfielders)
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Orlando City Soccer Club (5 Defensive Midfielders)
Los Angeles Galaxy (3 Defensive 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)
FC Dallas's Kaick at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.33×. That means Kaick is valued 2.33× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Orlando City Soccer Club's Luis Otávio, who is 19 years old, with a 2.00× PPVE. Third is Andrés Perea of New York City Football Club, who is 25 years old with a 1.67× 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 2.33× means the player is worth 133% 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 | Kaick FC Dallas | 20 | U21 | €3.5M | €1.5M | 2.33x |
| #2 | Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | 19 | U21 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00x |
| #3 | Andrés Perea New York City Football Club | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67x |
| #4 | David Ayala Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 24 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67x |
| #5 | Josh Atencio Colorado Rapids | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33x |
| #6 | Yannick Bright Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 25 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33x |
| #7 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire Soccer Club | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €3.0M | 1.33x |
| #8 | Kai Trewin New York City Football Club | 25 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20x |
| #9 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €3.0M | 1.17x |
| #10 | Matti Peltola D.C. United | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #11 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00x |
| #12 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00x |
| #13 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #14 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00x |
| #15 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #16 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €3.0M | 0.67x |
| #17 | Ralph Priso Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 24 | 24-26 | €800K | €1.5M | 0.53x |
| #18 | Pedro Soma San Diego Football Club | 20 | U21 | €800K | €1.5M | 0.53x |
| #19 | David Ruíz Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.50x |
| #20 | Peter Kingston Seattle Sounders FC | 25 | 24-26 | €600K | €1.5M | 0.40x |
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 Defensive 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 Defensive 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.
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Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
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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 Defensive Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for defensive 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 CDM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS defensive 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 defensive 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.
CDM 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 defensive 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 Defensive Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Defensive Midfielders in the MLS right now?
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the MLS today is James Sands, who is worth €5.0M and plays for New York City Football Club. The second most valuable is Andrés Cubas (€4.5M, Vancouver Whitecaps FC), followed by Djé D'Avilla (€4.0M, Chicago Fire Soccer Club). Our database tracks 57 MLS Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are MLS Defensive Midfielders ranked?
MLS Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Defensive 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 Defensive Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top defensive midfielder from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked defensive midfielder James Sands (market value: €5.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €4.0M to €7.0M 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 Defensive Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Defensive 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 defensive midfielder data come from?
Our MLS defensive 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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