Best Midfielders in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: MLS Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 81 MLS Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 29 clubs with a combined market value of €174.8M. The average market value for MLS Midfielders was €2.2M, with the average age at 25.3 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the MLS was Riqui Puig, worth €18.0M and played for Los Angeles Galaxy at 26 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €10.2M in market value, including Rodrigo De Paul and Obed Vargas.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Máximo Carrizo (18 years, New York City FC, €400K), while the oldest was Héctor Herrera (36 years, Houston Dynamo FC, €900K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 41 Midfielders (51%) 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 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 29 clubs with €174.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Midfielders
The MLS CM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (23 players, 28% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €47.1M, averaging €2.8M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (8 players)
21-23 Years (23 players)
24-26 Years (17 players)
27-29 Years (20 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 9 Midfielders (11% of players) control €70.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 2% of the MLS CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Midfielders
Among 29 MLS clubs, Inter Miami CF leads with 3 Midfielders worth €19.6M (averaging €6.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 44% of tracked Midfielders.
Inter Miami CF (3 Midfielders)
Los Angeles Galaxy (3 Midfielders)
Seattle Sounders FC (4 Midfielders)
Austin FC (4 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Riqui Puig
Los Angeles Galaxy • 26 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.5M
71.0
Rodrigo De Paul
Inter Miami CF • 32 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €13.1M
69.4
Obed Vargas
Seattle Sounders FC • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.2M
56.9
Quinn Sullivan
Philadelphia Union • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Jack McGlynn
Houston Dynamo FC • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Sebastian Berhalter
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 25 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.9M
51.9
Joaquín Pereyra
Minnesota United FC • 27 years old
€5.3M
€5.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €4.4M
51.6
Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Marcel Hartel
St. Louis CITY SC • 30 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.7M
50.6
José Cifuentes
Toronto FC • 27 years old
€4.8M
€4.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.9M
50.3
Pavel Bucha
FC Cincinnati • 28 years old
€5.2M
€4.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.5M
48.9
Owen Wolff
Austin FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Patrick Yazbek
Nashville SC • 24 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
48.0
Cristian Roldán
Seattle Sounders FC • 30 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
47.5
Eduard Löwen
St. Louis CITY SC • 29 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
47.3
Eduard Atuesta
Orlando City SC • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.1M
47.2
Edvard Tagseth
Nashville SC • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Alhassan Yusuf
New England Revolution • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Daniel Pereira
Austin FC • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Luca de la Torre
Charlotte FC • 28 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.6M
41.7
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)
Seattle Sounders FC's Obed Vargas at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 13.33×. That means Obed Vargas is valued 13.33× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Houston Dynamo FC's Jack McGlynn, who is 22 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Quinn Sullivan of Philadelphia Union, who is 22 years old with a 5.00× 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 13.33× means the player is worth 1233% 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 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €600K | 13.33× |
| #2 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #4 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #5 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #6 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €600K | 2.50× |
| #8 | Beau Leroux San Jose Earthquakes | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Sebastian Berhalter Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €2.5M | 2.00× |
| #10 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | 21 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.0M | 1.80× |
| #11 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | U21 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67× |
| #12 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #13 | Owen Gene Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #14 | Patrick Yazbek Nashville SC | 24 | 24-26 | €3.5M | €2.5M | 1.40× |
| #15 | Edvard Tagseth Nashville SC | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.5M | 1.20× |
| #16 | Alhassan Yusuf New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.5M | 1.20× |
| #17 | Nikola Petković Seattle Sounders FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20× |
| #18 | Ajani Fortune Atlanta United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20× |
| #19 | Daniel Pereira Austin FC | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €2.5M | 1.20× |
| #20 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | U21 | €600K | €600K | 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)
New York City FC's Máximo Carrizo at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Máximo Carrizo is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Santiago Morales, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Jonathan Shore of New York City FC, 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
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #2 | Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | 19 | 7 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #3 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #4 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #5 | Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
| #6 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €12.4M | +35% |
| #7 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | 6 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #8 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #9 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | 21 | 5 | €175K | €252K | +30% |
| #10 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #11 | Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #12 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #13 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #14 | Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #15 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | 21 | 5 | €1.8M | €2.6M | +30% |
| #16 | Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #17 | Miguel Perez St. Louis CITY SC | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #18 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #19 | Jack Panayotou New England Revolution | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #20 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
New York City FC's Máximo Carrizo has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Máximo Carrizo has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Santiago Morales with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Jonathan Shore of New York City 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
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | €149K | €128K-169K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €688K | €593K-783K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | €193K | €166K-220K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #13 | Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #14 | Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #15 | Miguel Perez St. Louis CITY SC | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #16 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #17 | Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #18 | Jack Panayotou New England Revolution | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #19 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | €2.0M | €1.7M-2.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #20 | Elijah Wynder Los Angeles Galaxy | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
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: midfielder position shows strong 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)
Toronto FC's Markus Cimermancic in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-8.2%. That means Quinn Sullivan captures 20.2% of total market value while representing only 28.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Colorado Rapids's Wayne Frederick with a +-8.2% ASC (20.2% value share vs 28.4% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Ronald Donkor of New York Red Bulls with a +-8.2% ASC (20.2% value vs 28.4% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-8.2% ASC means the player captures -8.2% 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 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #2 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #3 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #4 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #5 | Hosei Kijima D.C. United | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #6 | Beau Leroux San Jose Earthquakes | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #7 | Nikola Petković Seattle Sounders FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #8 | Will Reilly Atlanta United FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #9 | Elijah Wynder Los Angeles Galaxy | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #10 | Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #11 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #12 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #13 | Ajani Fortune Atlanta United FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #14 | Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #15 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #16 | Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #17 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #18 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #19 | Jack Panayotou New England Revolution | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
| #20 | Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | 21-23 | 20.2% | 28.4% | -8.2% |
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, 28 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 34 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 €500K. 0 undervalued, 5 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jack Skahan San Jose Earthquakes | €200K | €1.2M | -0.73 | Good Value |
Ronaldo Vieira San Jose Earthquakes | €500K | €1.2M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Tah Anunga FC Cincinnati | €800K | €1.2M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Brandon Servania D.C. United | €800K | €1.2M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Mathieu Choinière Los Angeles FC | €800K | €1.2M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Ben Bender Philadelphia Union | €300K | €1.2M | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ramiro FC Dallas | €600K | €1.2M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Bryan Acosta Nashville SC | €600K | €1.2M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Zorhan Bassong Sporting Kansas City | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | €175K | €1.2M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Isaiah Parente Los Angeles Galaxy | €450K | €1.2M | -0.34 | Fair Value |
Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | €200K | €1.2M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Jack Panayotou New England Revolution | €200K | €1.2M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | €125K | €1.2M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | €125K | €1.2M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Connor Ronan Colorado Rapids | €1.2M | €1.2M | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Jackson Yueill New England Revolution | €1.2M | €1.2M | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Pablo Ruiz Real Salt Lake City | €1.2M | €1.2M | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Christian Cappis FC Dallas | €600K | €1.2M | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | €300K | €1.2M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
