Best Defensive Midfielders in the Scottish Premiership (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Defensive Midfielders 2022-23
Our database tracked 999 Scottish Premiership Defensive Midfielders in the 2022-23 season, representing 608 clubs with a combined market value of €4.2B. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Defensive Midfielders was €4.2M, with the average age at 27 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Scottish Premiership was Vitinha, worth €110.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 26 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €92.0M in market value, including Moisés Caicedo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest was Fernando is a 38-year old football player aus Brazil (38 years, Without Club, €500K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 491 Defensive Midfielders (49%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Scottish Premiership market for Defensive Midfielders remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2022-23 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 Scottish Premiership
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Scottish Premiership Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 608 clubs with €4.2B combined value.
Age Distribution: Scottish Premiership Defensive Midfielders
The Scottish Premiership CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (275 players, 28% of market). The 24-26 age group holds the most value at €1.7B, averaging €6.3M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (39 players)
21-23 Years (180 players)
24-26 Years (275 players)
27-29 Years (249 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 100 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €2.5B
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the Scottish Premiership CDM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Scottish Premiership Defensive Midfielders
Among 608 Scottish Premiership clubs, Chelsea FC leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €160.0M (averaging €53.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 3% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Chelsea FC (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Manchester City (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Paris Saint-Germain (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Brighton & Hove Albion (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain • 26 years old
€95.1M
€110.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €111.9M
95.5
Moisés Caicedo
Chelsea FC • 24 years old
€95.1M
€110.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €122.6M
95.5
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool FC • 24 years old
€77.8M
€90.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €100.3M
95.5
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Real Madrid • 26 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €76.3M
94.0
Rodri
Manchester City • 29 years old
€96.8M
€75.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €68.7M
93.9
Sandro Tonali
Newcastle United • 26 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €76.3M
93.9
Martín Zubimendi
Arsenal FC • 27 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.4M
93.6
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 22 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
92.8
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
91.6
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
91.6
Nico González
Manchester City • 24 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
88.9
Morten Hjulmand
Sporting CP • 26 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.9M
88.9
Angelo Stiller
VfB Stuttgart • 25 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €48.0M
88.3
Amadou Onana
Aston Villa • 24 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €46.8M
87.9
Joshua Kimmich
Bayern Munich • 31 years old
€51.7M
€40.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €34.7M
86.7
Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa • 26 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.7M
86.3
Alan Varela
FC Porto • 24 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
84.2
Ardon Jashari
AC Milan • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
84.0
Manuel Ugarte
Manchester United • 25 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.7M
79.7
Roméo Lavia
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
79.4
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)
Chelsea FC's Moisés Caicedo at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 73.33×. That means Moisés Caicedo is valued 73.33× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Liverpool FC's Ryan Gravenberch, who is 24 years old, with a 60.00× PPVE. Third is Aleksandar Pavlovic of Bayern Munich, who is 22 years old with a 43.33× 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 73.33× means the player is worth 7233% 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 | Moisés Caicedo Chelsea FC | 24 | 24-26 | €110.0M | €1.5M | 73.33× |
| #2 | Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool FC | 24 | 24-26 | €90.0M | €1.5M | 60.00× |
| #3 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 22 | 21-23 | €65.0M | €1.5M | 43.33× |
| #4 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.5M | 40.00× |
| #5 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.5M | 40.00× |
| #6 | Angelo Stiller VfB Stuttgart | 25 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €1.5M | 30.00× |
| #7 | Nico González Manchester City | 24 | 24-26 | €45.0M | €1.5M | 30.00× |
| #8 | Amadou Onana Aston Villa | 24 | 24-26 | €42.0M | €1.5M | 28.00× |
| #9 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.5M | 21.33× |
| #10 | Alan Varela FC Porto | 24 | 24-26 | €32.0M | €1.5M | 21.33× |
| #11 | Manuel Ugarte Manchester United | 25 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €1.5M | 20.00× |
| #12 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.5M | 20.00× |
| #13 | André Wolverhampton Wanderers | 24 | 24-26 | €28.0M | €1.5M | 18.67× |
| #14 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €1.5M | 18.67× |
| #15 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #16 | James Garner Everton FC | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #17 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #18 | Kaishu Sano 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 25 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #19 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #20 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
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)
Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Jorthy Mokio is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Sport Club do Recife's Zé Lucas, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Justin Janssen of FC Nordsjaelland, who is 19 years old with a +44% 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 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% 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 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #2 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #3 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €850K | €1.5M | +44% |
| #4 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #5 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #6 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #7 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #8 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €17.9M | +44% |
| #9 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | 19 | 7 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #10 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.6M | +44% |
| #11 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #12 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #13 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #14 | Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys | 20 | 6 | €1.7M | €2.8M | +40% |
| #15 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #16 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #17 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #18 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | 6 | €7.0M | €11.6M | +40% |
| #19 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #20 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Jorthy Mokio has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Sport Club do Recife's Zé Lucas with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 79.0 means the upside is 79.0× 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 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.3M | €10.6M-14.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €2.5M | €2.1M-2.8M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | €1.0M | €905K-1.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Samuele Di Benedetto VfB Stuttgart II | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Henrique Arreiol Legia Warszawa | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Ivan Katic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
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: defensive 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)
Club Always Ready's Héctor Cuellar in the 24-26 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +13.0%. That means Vitinha captures 40.6% of total market value while representing only 27.5% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Mazatlán FC's Sebastián Fierro with a +13.0% ASC (40.6% value share vs 27.5% player share in 24-26 bracket). Third is J.C. Ngando of Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a +13.0% ASC (40.6% value vs 27.5% players in 24-26 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +13.0% ASC means the player captures 13.0% 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 | Héctor Cuellar Club Always Ready | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #2 | Sebastián Fierro Mazatlán FC | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #3 | J.C. Ngando Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #4 | David Braga Athletic Club | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #5 | Emanuel Torres Correcaminos de la UAT | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #6 | Yannik Keitel FC Augsburg | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #7 | Stefano Russo Arminia Bielefeld | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #8 | Tom Dele-Bashiru Genclerbirligi Ankara | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #9 | Florentino Burnley FC | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #10 | Brandon Baiye Erzurumspor FK | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #11 | Peer Koopmeiners AZ Alkmaar | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #12 | Chris Durkin St. Louis CITY SC | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #13 | Roberto Meraz Atlético de San Luis | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #14 | Ante Palaversa Aberdeen FC | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #15 | Romário Baró Radomiak Radom | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #16 | Njegos Petrovic FK Vojvodina Novi Sad | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #17 | Daniël van Kaam RKC Waalwijk | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #18 | Ilia Gruev Leeds United | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #19 | Nail Umyarov Spartak Moscow | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
| #20 | Doğucan Haspolat KVC Westerlo | 24-26 | 40.6% | 27.5% | +13.0% |
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: 39 immediate targets, 264 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 358 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 €700K. 1 undervalued, 114 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €1.2M | -1.60 | Undervalued |
Yves Bissouma Tottenham Hotspur | €15.0M | €1.2M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Cheick Doucouré Crystal Palace | €15.0M | €1.2M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €1.2M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Samú Costa RCD Mallorca | €15.0M | €1.2M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Enzo Barrenechea SL Benfica | €15.0M | €1.2M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Morten Hjulmand Sporting CP | €50.0M | €1.2M | -1.14 | Good Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Doğucan Haspolat KVC Westerlo | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Salvatore Esposito UC Sampdoria | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nicolai Remberg Hamburger SV | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mirko Topić Norwich City | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Urko González de Zárate RCD Espanyol Barcelona | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Fabinho Red Bull Bragantino | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | €30.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Boubacar Traoré FC Metz | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Rômulo Tigres UANL | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
