Best Defensive Midfielders in the Süper Lig (Oct 2026)
143 players tracked across 38 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
İsmail Yüksek
Fenerbahce • 27 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.4M
68.7
Sofyan Amrabat
Fenerbahce • 30 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
60.4
Lucas Torreira
Galatasaray • 30 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
60.4
Demir Ege Tıknaz
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.1M
57.9
Anthony Dennis
Göztepe • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.1M
57.9
Wilfred Ndidi
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü • 29 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
57.5
Maestro
Alanyaspor • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
56.6
Novatus Miroshi
Göztepe • 24 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
52.9
Mario Lemina
Galatasaray • 33 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
50.8
Moatasem Al-Musrati
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü • 30 years old
€5.8M
€4.5M
-22.6%
50.5
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Sign up freeİsmail Yüksek
Fenerbahce · 27 years old
68.7
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€12.5M - €16.3M
Sofyan Amrabat
Fenerbahce · 30 years old
60.4
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€5.8M - €7.5M
Lucas Torreira
Galatasaray · 30 years old
60.4
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€5.8M - €7.5M
Demir Ege Tıknaz
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü · 22 years old
57.9
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€7.1M - €9.2M
Anthony Dennis
Göztepe · 22 years old
57.9
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€7.1M - €9.2M
Wilfred Ndidi
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü · 29 years old
57.5
ASI
Current Value
€8.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Maestro
Alanyaspor · 23 years old
56.6
ASI
Current Value
€7.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Novatus Miroshi
Göztepe · 24 years old
52.9
ASI
Current Value
€5.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Mario Lemina
Galatasaray · 33 years old
50.8
ASI
Current Value
€4.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Moatasem Al-Musrati
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü · 30 years old
50.5
ASI
Current Value
€4.5M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 143 Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 38 clubs with a combined market value of €170.7M. The average market value for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders is €1.2M, with the average age at 30 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Süper Lig is İsmail Yüksek, worth €15.0M and playing for Fenerbahce at 27 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders average €10.2M in market value, including Sofyan Amrabat and Lucas Torreira.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked defensive midfielder is Ousmane Diabate (19 years, Gençlerbirliği Spor Kulübü, €1.0M), while the oldest is Djakaridja Koné (40 years, Sivasspor, €1.0M). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 21 Defensive Midfielders (15%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Süper Lig market for Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Süper Lig
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 38 clubs with €170.7M combined value.
Age Distribution: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders
The Süper Lig CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (85 players, 59% of market). The 30+ age group holds the most value at €67.7M, averaging €796K per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (18 players)
24-26 Years (16 players)
27-29 Years (22 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 15 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €97.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 1% of the Süper Lig CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders
Among 38 Süper Lig clubs, Fenerbahce leads with 6 Defensive Midfielders worth €29.4M (averaging €4.9M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 43% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Fenerbahce (6 Defensive Midfielders)
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü (7 Defensive Midfielders)
Galatasaray (5 Defensive Midfielders)
Göztepe (5 Defensive Midfielders)
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)
Göztepe's Anthony Dennis at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 8.00×. That means Anthony Dennis is valued 8.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü's Demir Ege Tıknaz, who is 22 years old, with a 8.00× PPVE. Third is Maestro of Alanyaspor, who is 23 years old with a 7.00× 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 8.00× means the player is worth 700% 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 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #2 | Demir Ege Tıknaz Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #3 | Maestro Alanyaspor | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00x |
| #4 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €1.2M | 4.17x |
| #5 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50x |
| #6 | Kartal Yılmaz Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €1.2M | 2.08x |
| #7 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00x |
| #8 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €1.2M | 1.67x |
| #9 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fatih Karagümrük | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50x |
| #10 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50x |
| #11 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50x |
| #12 | Fabian Ernst Kasimpasa | 25 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.2M | 1.25x |
| #13 | Jesper Ceesay Antalyaspor | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €1.2M | 1.25x |
| #14 | Ousmane Diabate Gençlerbirliği Spor Kulübü | 19 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00x |
| #15 | Andrej Djokanovic MKE Ankaragücü | 25 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00x |
| #16 | Jin-ho Jo Konyaspor | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00x |
| #17 | Eyüp Aydın Kasimpasa | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80x |
| #18 | Niko Rak Konyaspor | 23 | 21-23 | €750K | €1.0M | 0.75x |
| #19 | Musah Mohammed Göztepe | 24 | 24-26 | €900K | €1.2M | 0.75x |
| #20 | Ahmet Aslan Bodrum FK | 25 | 24-26 | €800K | €1.2M | 0.67x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
Unlock Roster Pressure Index for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
Unlock Peer Z-Score analysis for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders.
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How We Rank Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for defensive midfielders, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for CDM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Süper Lig defensive midfielders, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for Süper Lig defensive midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Süper Lig competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
CDM Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for defensive midfielders
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Defensive Midfielders in the Süper Lig right now?
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Süper Lig today is İsmail Yüksek, who is worth €15.0M and plays for Fenerbahce. The second most valuable is Sofyan Amrabat (€10.0M, Fenerbahce), followed by Lucas Torreira (€10.0M, Galatasaray). Our database tracks 143 Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders ranked?
Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Defensive Midfielders. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Süper Lig competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Defensive Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top defensive midfielder from the Süper Lig?
Transfer fees for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked defensive midfielder İsmail Yüksek (market value: €15.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €12.0M to €21.0M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Süper Lig transactions.
What is the value forecast for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Süper Lig defensive midfielder data come from?
Our Süper Lig defensive midfielder data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Süper Lig sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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