Best Defensive Midfielders in the Serie A (Mar 2026)
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 27.3 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 Nicolò Rovella 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 17 Defensive Midfielders (50%) 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 (11 players, 32% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €95.8M, averaging €12.0M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (7 players)
24-26 Years (7 players)
27-29 Years (8 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: €35.3M
84.0
Nicolò Rovella
SS Lazio • 24 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
80.0
Manuel Locatelli
Juventus FC • 28 years old
€31.7M
€30.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €26.4M
78.8
Youssouf Fofana
AC Milan • 27 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.9M
78.6
Samuele Ricci
AC Milan • 24 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.8M
77.7
Hakan Çalhanoğlu
Inter Milan • 32 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.8M
77.2
Stanislav Lobotka
SSC Napoli • 31 years old
€32.3M
€25.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €20.8M
77.0
Billy Gilmour
SSC Napoli • 24 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
74.9
Máximo Perrone
Como 1907 • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
70.8
Kristjan Asllani
Torino FC • 23 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
69.0
Mandela Keita
Parma Calcio 1913 • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
68.0
Rolando Mandragora
ACF Fiorentina • 28 years old
€12.7M
€12.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €10.6M
67.2
Reda Belahyane
SS Lazio • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
61.3
Moatasem Al-Musrati
Hellas Verona • 29 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.0M
58.6
Bryan Cristante
AS Roma • 31 years old
€9.0M
€7.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.8M
57.3
Ibrahim Sulemana
Bologna FC 1909 • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.7M
57.2
Daniel Boloca
US Sassuolo • 27 years old
€5.6M
€6.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.7M
55.6
Matteo Prati
Cagliari Calcio • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
55.2
Marten de Roon
Atalanta BC • 34 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.4M
53.6
Nikola Moro
Bologna FC 1909 • 27 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
51.0
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 Ardon Jashari at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.67×. That means Ardon Jashari is valued 2.67× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SS Lazio's Nicolò Rovella, who is 24 years old, with a 1.50× PPVE. Third is Samuele Ricci of AC Milan, who is 24 years old with a 1.25× 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 2.67× means the player is worth 167% 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 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €12.0M | 2.67× |
| #2 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | 24 | 24-26 | €30.0M | €20.0M | 1.50× |
| #3 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 24-26 | €25.0M | €20.0M | 1.25× |
| #4 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €12.0M | 1.25× |
| #5 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | 23 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €12.0M | 1.08× |
| #6 | Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | 24 | 24-26 | €20.0M | €20.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €12.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Luca Lipani US Sassuolo | 20 | U21 | €4.5M | €4.5M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €12.0M | 0.83× |
| #10 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €12.0M | 0.58× |
| #11 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €12.0M | 0.50× |
| #12 | Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | 25 | 24-26 | €1.7M | €20.0M | 0.08× |
| #13 | Malthe Højholt Pisa Sporting Club | 24 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €20.0M | 0.06× |
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)
US Sassuolo's Luca Lipani at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Luca Lipani is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is SS Lazio's Reda Belahyane, who is 21 years old, with a +35% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Matteo Prati of Cagliari Calcio, who is 22 years old with a +30% 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Luca Lipani US Sassuolo | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
| #2 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 21 | 5 | €10.0M | €15.5M | +35% |
| #3 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #4 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | 22 | 4 | €7.0M | €10.1M | +30% |
| #5 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 3 | €32.0M | €42.8M | +25% |
| #6 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 3 | €15.0M | €20.1M | +25% |
| #7 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | 23 | 3 | €13.0M | €17.4M | +25% |
| #8 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 3 | €12.0M | €16.0M | +25% |
| #9 | Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | 24 | 2 | €20.0M | €24.9M | +20% |
| #10 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | 24 | 2 | €25.0M | €31.1M | +20% |
| #11 | Malthe Højholt Pisa Sporting Club | 24 | 2 | €1.2M | €1.5M | +20% |
| #12 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | 24 | 2 | €30.0M | €37.3M | +20% |
| #13 | Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | 25 | 1 | €1.7M | €2.0M | +14% |
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 58.0. That means Luca Lipani has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is SS Lazio's Reda Belahyane with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ibrahim Sulemana of Bologna FC 1909 with a 38.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Luca Lipani US Sassuolo | €5.4M | €4.6M-6.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | €11.5M | €9.9M-13.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | €7.7M | €6.8M-8.6M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #4 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | €6.6M | €5.8M-7.4M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #5 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | €35.3M | €31.0M-39.5M | +10% | 38.4 |
| #6 | Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | €32.1M | €28.3M-36.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Malthe Højholt Pisa Sporting Club | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | €21.4M | €18.8M-24.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Samuele Ricci AC Milan | €26.8M | €23.6M-30.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | €13.8M | €12.1M-15.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | €15.9M | €14.0M-17.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | €12.7M | €11.2M-14.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | Youssouf Fofana AC Milan | €30.9M | €27.2M-34.6M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #14 | Nikola Moro Bologna FC 1909 | €4.6M | €4.1M-5.2M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #15 | Daniel Boloca US Sassuolo | €6.7M | €5.9M-7.5M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #16 | Marius Marin Pisa Sporting Club | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #17 | Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +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: 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)
Inter Milan's Hakan Çalhanoğlu in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-10.5%. That means Hakan Çalhanoğlu captures 21.9% of total market value while representing only 32.4% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Atalanta BC's Marten de Roon with a +-10.5% ASC (21.9% value share vs 32.4% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Adrien Tamèze of Torino FC with a +-10.5% ASC (21.9% value vs 32.4% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-10.5% ASC means the player captures -10.5% 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 | Hakan Çalhanoğlu Inter Milan | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #2 | Marten de Roon Atalanta BC | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #3 | Adrien Tamèze Torino FC | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #4 | Stanislav Lobotka SSC Napoli | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #5 | Alberto Grassi US Cremonese | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #6 | Bryan Cristante AS Roma | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #7 | Danilo Cataldi SS Lazio | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #8 | Jesper Karlström Udinese Calcio | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #9 | Milan Badelj Genoa CFC | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #10 | Nahuel Estévez Parma Calcio 1913 | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #11 | Nemanja Matic US Sassuolo | 30+ | 21.9% | 32.4% | -10.5% |
| #12 | Kristjan Asllani Torino FC | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #13 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #14 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #15 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #16 | Matteo Prati Cagliari Calcio | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #17 | Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #18 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 21-23 | 26.8% | 20.6% | +6.2% |
| #19 | Manuel Locatelli Juventus FC | 27-29 | 27.0% | 23.5% | +3.4% |
| #20 | Rolando Mandragora ACF Fiorentina | 27-29 | 27.0% | 23.5% | +3.4% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 11 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 9 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 €1.8M. 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 |
Billy Gilmour SSC Napoli | €20.0M | €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 | -0.60 | Good Value |
Ibrahim Sulemana Bologna FC 1909 | €7.0M | €6.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Ylber Ramadani US Lecce | €1.8M | €6.5M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Daniel Boloca US Sassuolo | €6.5M | €6.5M | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Nahuel Estévez Parma Calcio 1913 | €1.5M | €6.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Balthazar Pierret US Lecce | €1.7M | €6.5M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Alberto Grassi US Cremonese | €1.8M | €6.5M | -0.10 | 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 |
Moatasem Al-Musrati Hellas Verona | €8.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Marius Marin Pisa Sporting Club | €3.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Samuele Ricci AC Milan | €25.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nicolò Rovella SS Lazio | €30.0M | €6.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |