Best Defensive Midfielders in the Serie A (Oct 2025)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Serie A Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 34 Serie A Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 20 clubs with a combined market value of €355.1M. The average market value for Serie A Defensive Midfielders is €10.4M, with the average age at 26.9 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Serie A is Ardon Jashari, worth €32.0M and playing for AC Milan at 23 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €29.4M in market value, including Youssouf Fofana and Manuel Locatelli.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Luca Lipani (20 years, US Sassuolo, €4.5M), while the oldest is Nemanja Matic (37 years, US Sassuolo, €2.0M). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 20 Defensive Midfielders (59%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Serie A market for Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 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 Serie A
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Serie A Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 20 clubs with €355.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Serie A Defensive Midfielders
The Serie A CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (10 players, 29% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €125.0M, averaging €15.6M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (8 players)
27-29 Years (7 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Defensive Midfielders (12% of players) control €122.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 12% of the Serie A CDM pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Serie A Defensive Midfielders
Among 20 Serie A clubs, AC Milan leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €87.0M (averaging €29.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 56% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
AC Milan (3 Defensive Midfielders)
SSC Napoli (2 Defensive Midfielders)
SS Lazio (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Juventus FC (1 Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ardon Jashari
AC Milan • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.3M
82.1
Youssouf Fofana
AC Milan • 26 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.6
Manuel Locatelli
Juventus FC • 27 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.9M
78.6
Nicolò Rovella
SS Lazio • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €36.3M
77.7
Samuele Ricci
AC Milan • 24 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.0M
76.3
Stanislav Lobotka
SSC Napoli • 30 years old
€25.0M
€25.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €23.8M
74.3
Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Inter Milan • 31 years old
€25.0M
€25.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €23.8M
73.7
Billy Gilmour
SSC Napoli • 24 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.2M
73.5
Máximo Perrone
Como 1907 • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.9M
68.0
Kristjan Asllani
Torino FC • 23 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.7M
67.1
Rolando Mandragora
ACF Fiorentina • 28 years old
€12.0M
€12.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €11.4M
66.3
Mandela Keita
Parma Calcio 1913 • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.5M
66.1
Reda Belahyane
SS Lazio • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.1M
58.4
Moatasem Al-Musrati
Hellas Verona • 29 years old
€8.0M
€8.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €7.6M
56.9
Daniel Boloca
US Sassuolo • 26 years old
€5.6M
€6.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.9M
55.6
Ibrahim Sulemana
Bologna FC 1909 • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
54.8
Bryan Cristante
AS Roma • 30 years old
€7.0M
€7.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €6.7M
54.6
Matteo Prati
Cagliari Calcio • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.9M
51.9
Nikola Moro
Bologna FC 1909 • 27 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
51.0
Marten de Roon
Atalanta BC • 34 years old
€5.0M
€5.0M
+0.0%
Expected: €4.8M
47.7
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)
AC Milan's Samuele Ricci at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 10.00×. That means Samuele Ricci is valued 10.00× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SSC Napoli's Billy Gilmour, who is 24 years old, with a 8.00× PPVE. Third is Ardon Jashari of AC Milan, who is 23 years old with a 2.46× 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 10.00× means the player is worth 900% 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 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €2.5M | 10.00× |
| #2 | Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | 24 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €2.5M | 8.00× |
| #3 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €13.0M | 2.46× |
| #4 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | 23 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €13.0M | 2.31× |
| #5 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €13.0M | 1.15× |
| #6 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | 23 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €13.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Cheikh Niasse Hellas Verona | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Luca Lipani US Sassuolo | 20 | U21 | €4.5M | €4.5M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €13.0M | 0.92× |
| #10 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €13.0M | 0.77× |
| #11 | Jean Onana Genoa CFC | 25 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €2.5M | 0.72× |
| #12 | Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | 25 | 24-26 | €1.7M | €2.5M | 0.68× |
| #13 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €13.0M | 0.54× |
| #14 | Malthe Højholt Pisa Sporting Club | 24 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €2.5M | 0.48× |
| #15 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €13.0M | 0.46× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
No RPP data available (requires forecast values in database)
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
US Sassuolo's Luca Lipani has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 96.4. That means Luca Lipani has 36% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Bologna FC 1909's Ibrahim Sulemana with a 86.4 RAU (26% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Máximo Perrone of Como 1907 with a 86.4 RAU (26% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 96.4 means the upside is 96.4× 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 | Luca Lipani US Sassuolo | €6.1M | €5.3M-7.0M | +36% | 96.4 |
| #2 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | €8.8M | €7.8M-9.9M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #3 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | €18.9M | €16.7M-21.2M | +26% | 86.4 |
| #4 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | €13.1M | €11.3M-14.9M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #5 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | €7.9M | €6.8M-9.0M | +31% | 86.2 |
| #6 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | €40.3M | €35.5M-45.2M | +26% | 86.2 |
| #7 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | €14.5M | €12.8M-16.3M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #8 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | €36.3M | €32.0M-40.7M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #9 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | €15.7M | €13.9M-17.6M | +21% | 72.7 |
| #10 | Malthe Højholt Pisa Sporting Club | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #11 | Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | €23.2M | €20.4M-26.0M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #12 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | €29.0M | €25.5M-32.5M | +16% | 57.7 |
| #13 | Jean Onana Genoa CFC | €2.0M | €1.8M-2.2M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #14 | Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #15 | Cheikh Niasse Hellas Verona | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +11% | 41.4 |
| #16 | Youssouf Fofana AC Milan | €31.8M | €28.0M-35.6M | +6% | 23.5 |
| #17 | Daniel Boloca US Sassuolo | €6.9M | €6.1M-7.7M | +6% | 23.5 |
| #18 | Manuel Locatelli Juventus FC | €30.9M | €27.2M-34.6M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Nikola Moro Bologna FC 1909 | €4.6M | €4.1M-5.2M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #20 | Marius Marin Pisa Sporting Club | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +3% | 12.0 |
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)
SS Lazio's Nicolò Rovella in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +11.7%. That means Ardon Jashari captures 35.2% of total market value while representing only 23.5% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Torino FC's Kristjan Asllani with a +11.7% ASC (35.2% value share vs 23.5% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Ardon Jashari of AC Milan with a +11.7% ASC (35.2% value vs 23.5% players in 21-23 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.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #2 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #3 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #4 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #5 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #6 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #7 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #8 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 21-23 | 35.2% | 23.5% | +11.7% |
| #9 | Hakan Çalhanoğlu Inter Milan | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #10 | Marten de Roon Atalanta BC | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #11 | Adrien Tamèze Torino FC | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #12 | Stanislav Lobotka SSC Napoli | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #13 | Alberto Grassi US Cremonese | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #14 | Bryan Cristante AS Roma | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #15 | Danilo Cataldi SS Lazio | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #16 | Jesper Karlström Udinese Calcio | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #17 | Milan Badelj Genoa CFC | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #18 | Nemanja Matic US Sassuolo | 30+ | 21.4% | 29.4% | -8.0% |
| #19 | Manuel Locatelli Juventus FC | 27-29 | 17.1% | 20.6% | -3.5% |
| #20 | Rolando Mandragora ACF Fiorentina | 27-29 | 17.1% | 20.6% | -3.5% |
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: 12 immediate targets, 3 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 6 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 €32.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marten de Roon Atalanta BC | €5.0M | €6.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Moatasem Al-Musrati Hellas Verona | €8.0M | €6.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | €20.0M | €6.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | €30.0M | €6.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | €6.0M | €6.5M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Malthe Højholt Pisa Sporting Club | €1.2M | €6.5M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Milan Badelj Genoa CFC | €800K | €6.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | €7.0M | €6.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Nahuel Estévez Parma Calcio 1913 | €1.5M | €6.5M | -0.56 | Good Value |
Ylber Ramadani US Lecce | €1.8M | €6.5M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | €1.7M | €6.5M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Alberto Grassi US Cremonese | €1.8M | €6.5M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Hakan Çalhanoğlu Inter Milan | €25.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Adrien Tamèze Torino FC | €2.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Stanislav Lobotka SSC Napoli | €25.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Bryan Cristante AS Roma | €7.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Manuel Locatelli Juventus FC | €30.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Rolando Mandragora ACF Fiorentina | €12.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Marius Marin Pisa Sporting Club | €3.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Daniel Boloca US Sassuolo | €6.5M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |