Best Midfielders in the MLS (Dec 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: MLS Midfielders 2024-25
Our database tracked 27 MLS Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 17 clubs with a combined market value of €89.3M. The average market value for MLS Midfielders was €3.3M, with the average age at 26.9 years old.
The most valuable midfielder in the MLS was Rodrigo De Paul, worth €20.0M and played for Inter Miami CF at 31 years old. The top 5 Midfielders averaged €10.9M in market value, including Riqui Puig and Joaquín Pereyra.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked midfielder was Telasco Segovia (22 years, Inter Miami CF, €3.0M), while the oldest was Sebastian Lletget (33 years, FC Dallas, €800K). Research shows Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 10 Midfielders (37%) 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 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.
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 17 clubs with €89.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Midfielders
The MLS CM market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (10 players, 37% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €33.7M, averaging €4.2M per player.
Top Midfielders by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (4 players)
24-26 Years (8 players)
27-29 Years (10 players)
30+ Years (5 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Midfielders (11% of players) control €45.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 7% of the MLS CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Midfielders
Among 17 MLS clubs, Inter Miami CF leads with 2 Midfielders worth €23.0M (averaging €11.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 63% of tracked Midfielders.
Inter Miami CF (2 Midfielders)
Los Angeles Galaxy (1 Midfielders)
Minnesota United FC (3 Midfielders)
St. Louis CITY SC (2 Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Rodrigo De Paul
Inter Miami CF • 31 years old
€25.8M
€20.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €16.6M
72.9
Riqui Puig
Los Angeles Galaxy • 26 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.6M
72.3
Joaquín Pereyra
Minnesota United FC • 27 years old
€5.3M
€5.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €4.4M
51.6
José Cifuentes
Toronto FC • 26 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
51.5
Marcel Hartel
St. Louis CITY SC • 29 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.7M
50.5
Eduard Löwen
St. Louis CITY SC • 28 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €3.1M
47.2
Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami CF • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Alhassan Yusuf
New England Revolution • 25 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Steven Alzate
Atlanta United FC • 27 years old
€3.2M
€3.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €2.6M
41.6
Luca de la Torre
San Diego FC • 27 years old
€2.6M
€2.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €2.2M
39.3
Timothy Tillman
Los Angeles FC • 26 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
39.2
Nectarios Triantis
Minnesota United FC • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.3
Rominigue Kouamé
Chicago Fire FC • 28 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.8M
36.7
Odin Holm
Los Angeles FC • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
33.7
Robin Lod
Minnesota United FC • 32 years old
€1.9M
€1.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.3M
33.5
Besard Šabović
Austin FC • 27 years old
€1.6M
€1.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.3M
33.0
Matty Longstaff
CF Montréal • 25 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
30.6
Maxime Dominguez
Toronto FC • 29 years old
€1.5M
€1.2M
-22.6%
Expected: €995K
30.4
Connor Ronan
Colorado Rapids • 27 years old
€1.3M
€1.2M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.1M
30.2
Ian Harkes
San Jose Earthquakes • 30 years old
€1.3M
€1.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €829K
28.3
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 Alhassan Yusuf at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.50×. That means Alhassan Yusuf is valued 2.50× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Telasco Segovia, who is 22 years old, with a 1.50× PPVE. Third is Matty Longstaff of CF Montréal, who is 25 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 2.50× means the player is worth 150% 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 | Alhassan Yusuf New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €1.2M | 2.50× |
| #2 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #3 | Matty Longstaff CF Montréal | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #4 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #5 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #6 | Victor Loturi CF Montréal | 24 | 24-26 | €500K | €1.2M | 0.42× |
| #7 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | 22 | 21-23 | €200K | €2.0M | 0.10× |
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 Nectarios Triantis at 22 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +25%. That means Nectarios Triantis is projected to appreciate 25% as they reach their peak age in 4 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is San Diego FC's Alejandro Alvarado, who is 22 years old, with a +25% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Odin Holm of Los Angeles FC, 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 25% RPP means the player is expected to gain 25% 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 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #2 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | 22 | 4 | €200K | €267K | +25% |
| #3 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #4 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #5 | Victor Loturi CF Montréal | 24 | 2 | €500K | €578K | +14% |
| #6 | Matty Longstaff CF Montréal | 25 | 1 | €1.2M | €1.3M | +7% |
| #7 | Alhassan Yusuf New England Revolution | 25 | 1 | €3.0M | €3.2M | +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 Nectarios Triantis has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 23.0. That means Nectarios Triantis has 6% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is San Diego FC's Alejandro Alvarado with a 23.0 RAU (6% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Odin Holm of Los Angeles FC with a 23.0 RAU (6% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 23.0 means the upside is 23.0× 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 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #2 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | €212K | €186K-237K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #3 | Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #4 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #5 | Christian Cappis FC Dallas | €721K | €634K-807K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #6 | Timothy Tillman Los Angeles FC | €2.6M | €2.3M-2.9M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #7 | Riqui Puig Los Angeles Galaxy | €20.6M | €18.1M-23.1M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #8 | José Cifuentes Toronto FC | €5.1M | €4.5M-5.8M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #9 | Zorhan Bassong Sporting Kansas City | €824K | €725K-923K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #10 | Victor Loturi CF Montréal | €512K | €451K-573K | +2% | 9.8 |
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: 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)
St. Louis CITY SC's Marcel Hartel in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-9.3%. That means Joaquín Pereyra captures 27.8% of total market value while representing only 37.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Toronto FC's Maxime Dominguez with a +-9.3% ASC (27.8% value share vs 37.0% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Eduard Löwen of St. Louis CITY SC with a +-9.3% ASC (27.8% value vs 37.0% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-9.3% ASC means the player captures -9.3% 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 | Marcel Hartel St. Louis CITY SC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #2 | Maxime Dominguez Toronto FC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #3 | Eduard Löwen St. Louis CITY SC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #4 | Rominigue Kouamé Chicago Fire FC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #5 | Luca de la Torre San Diego FC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #6 | Besard Šabović Austin FC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #7 | Connor Ronan Colorado Rapids | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #8 | Joaquín Pereyra Minnesota United FC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #9 | Ronaldo Vieira San Jose Earthquakes | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #10 | Steven Alzate Atlanta United FC | 27-29 | 27.8% | 37.0% | -9.3% |
| #11 | Robin Lod Minnesota United FC | 30+ | 27.0% | 18.5% | +8.5% |
| #12 | Sebastian Lletget FC Dallas | 30+ | 27.0% | 18.5% | +8.5% |
| #13 | Rodrigo De Paul Inter Miami CF | 30+ | 27.0% | 18.5% | +8.5% |
| #14 | Bryan Acosta Nashville SC | 30+ | 27.0% | 18.5% | +8.5% |
| #15 | Ian Harkes San Jose Earthquakes | 30+ | 27.0% | 18.5% | +8.5% |
| #16 | Timothy Tillman Los Angeles FC | 24-26 | 37.7% | 29.6% | +8.1% |
| #17 | Riqui Puig Los Angeles Galaxy | 24-26 | 37.7% | 29.6% | +8.1% |
| #18 | José Cifuentes Toronto FC | 24-26 | 37.7% | 29.6% | +8.1% |
| #19 | Matty Longstaff CF Montréal | 24-26 | 37.7% | 29.6% | +8.1% |
| #20 | Zorhan Bassong Sporting Kansas City | 24-26 | 37.7% | 29.6% | +8.1% |
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, 16 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 €20.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | €200K | €1.5M | -1.20 | Good Value |
Ronaldo Vieira San Jose Earthquakes | €400K | €1.5M | -0.89 | Good Value |
Maxime Dominguez Toronto FC | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Connor Ronan Colorado Rapids | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Victor Loturi CF Montréal | €500K | €1.5M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Odin Holm Los Angeles FC | €1.5M | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Sebastian Lletget FC Dallas | €800K | €1.5M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Bryan Acosta Nashville SC | €800K | €1.5M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Besard Šabović Austin FC | €1.5M | €1.5M | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Christian Cappis FC Dallas | €700K | €1.5M | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Zorhan Bassong Sporting Kansas City | €800K | €1.5M | -0.22 | Fair Value |
Rodrigo De Paul Inter Miami CF | €20.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Rominigue Kouamé Chicago Fire FC | €2.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Riqui Puig Los Angeles Galaxy | €20.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joaquín Pereyra Minnesota United FC | €5.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
José Cifuentes Toronto FC | €5.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ian Harkes San Jose Earthquakes | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Matty Longstaff CF Montréal | €1.2M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | €2.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Luca de la Torre San Diego FC | €2.5M | €1.5M | +0.28 | Fair Value |