Best Defensive Midfielders in the Süper Lig (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders 2022-23
Our database tracked 39 Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders in the 2022-23 season, representing 17 clubs with a combined market value of €128.1M. The average market value for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders was €3.3M, with the average age at 27 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Süper Lig was Edson Álvarez, worth €22.0M and played for Fenerbahce at 28 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €14.0M in market value, including Kristjan Asllani and İsmail Yüksek.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Baran Gezek (20 years, Eyüpspor, €1.0M), while the oldest was Taras Stepanenko (36 years, Eyüpspor, €500K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 18 Defensive Midfielders (46%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Süper Lig market for Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent 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 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 17 clubs with €128.1M 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 (13 players, 33% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €59.8M, averaging €5.0M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (9 players)
24-26 Years (4 players)
27-29 Years (12 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €60.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the Süper Lig CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders
Among 17 Süper Lig clubs, Fenerbahce leads with 2 Defensive Midfielders worth €35.0M (averaging €17.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 69% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Fenerbahce (2 Defensive Midfielders)
Besiktas JK (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Galatasaray (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Basaksehir FK (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.
Edson Álvarez
Fenerbahce • 28 years old
€23.3M
€22.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €19.4M
74.6
Kristjan Asllani
Besiktas JK • 24 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.9M
69.1
İsmail Yüksek
Fenerbahce • 27 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.4M
67.7
Lucas Torreira
Galatasaray • 30 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.0M
67.2
Wilfred Ndidi
Besiktas JK • 29 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.8M
61.1
Mario Lemina
Galatasaray • 32 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.0M
55.2
Anthony Dennis
Göztepe • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.7M
52.2
Jakub Kaluzinski
Basaksehir FK • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
50.2
Maestro
Alanyaspor • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
49.8
Antoine Makoumbou
Samsunspor • 27 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.2
Berat Özdemir
Basaksehir FK • 28 years old
€3.7M
€3.5M
-5.4%
Expected: €3.1M
47.7
Kaan Ayhan
Galatasaray • 31 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
42.7
Kartal Yılmaz
Besiktas JK • 25 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
40.6
Mateusz Legowski
Eyüpspor • 23 years old
€1.9M
€2.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.3M
39.0
Novatus Miroshi
Göztepe • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.8
Okay Yokuşlu
Trabzonspor • 32 years old
€2.6M
€2.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €1.7M
37.7
Gaius Makouta
Alanyaspor • 28 years old
€2.1M
€2.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €1.8M
37.0
Tom Dele-Bashiru
Genclerbirligi Ankara • 26 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.8M
35.9
Andri Fannar Baldursson
Kasimpasa • 24 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.6
Bartuğ Elmaz
Fatih Karagümrük • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.1
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)
Besiktas JK's Kristjan Asllani at 24 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.20×. That means Kristjan Asllani is valued 5.20× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Göztepe's Anthony Dennis, who is 21 years old, with a 2.50× PPVE. Third is Maestro of Alanyaspor, who is 22 years old with a 2.00× 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 5.20× means the player is worth 420% 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 | Kristjan Asllani Besiktas JK | 24 | 24-26 | €13.0M | €2.5M | 5.20× |
| #2 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #3 | Maestro Alanyaspor | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #4 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #5 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | 23 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €2.0M | 1.10× |
| #6 | Kartal Yılmaz Besiktas JK | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fatih Karagümrük | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #10 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | 24 | 24-26 | €1.5M | €2.5M | 0.60× |
| #11 | Mahamadou Susoho Kocaelispor | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.50× |
| #12 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.50× |
| #13 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €2.0M | 0.30× |
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)
Eyüpspor's Baran Gezek at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Baran Gezek is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Göztepe's Anthony Dennis, who is 21 years old, with a +35% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Mahamadou Susoho of Kocaelispor, who is 21 years old with a +35% RPP (5 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 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #2 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.7M | +35% |
| #3 | Mahamadou Susoho Kocaelispor | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #4 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #5 | Maestro Alanyaspor | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #6 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | 22 | 4 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #7 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #8 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #9 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | 23 | 3 | €2.2M | €2.9M | +25% |
| #10 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fatih Karagümrük | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #11 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | 24 | 2 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #12 | Kristjan Asllani Besiktas JK | 24 | 2 | €13.0M | €16.2M | +20% |
| #13 | Kartal Yılmaz Besiktas JK | 25 | 1 | €2.5M | €2.9M | +14% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Eyüpspor's Baran Gezek has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Baran Gezek has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Kocaelispor's Mahamadou Susoho with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Salih Malkoçoğlu of Trabzonspor with a 46.3 RAU (15% 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 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Mahamadou Susoho Kocaelispor | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.7M | €4.9M-6.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | €662K | €582K-741K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #6 | Maestro Alanyaspor | €4.4M | €3.9M-4.9M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #7 | Kristjan Asllani Besiktas JK | €13.9M | €12.2M-15.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fatih Karagümrük | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | İsmail Yüksek Fenerbahce | €13.4M | €11.8M-15.0M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #14 | Giannis Papanikolaou Caykur Rizespor | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #15 | Antoine Makoumbou Samsunspor | €4.1M | €3.6M-4.6M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #16 | Show Kocaelispor | €1.0M | €906K-1.2M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #17 | Ogün Özçiçek Gaziantep FK | €515K | €453K-577K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #18 | Kartal Yılmaz Besiktas JK | €2.6M | €2.3M-2.9M | +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)
Konyaspor's Ufuk Akyol in the 27-29 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +15.9%. That means Edson Álvarez captures 46.7% of total market value while representing only 30.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Kayserispor's Youssef Aït Bennasser with a +15.9% ASC (46.7% value share vs 30.8% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas JK with a +15.9% ASC (46.7% value vs 30.8% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +15.9% ASC means the player captures 15.9% 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 | Ufuk Akyol Konyaspor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #2 | Youssef Aït Bennasser Kayserispor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #3 | Wilfred Ndidi Besiktas JK | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #4 | Celil Yüksel Samsunspor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #5 | Edson Álvarez Fenerbahce | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #6 | Giannis Papanikolaou Caykur Rizespor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #7 | Gaius Makouta Alanyaspor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #8 | Antoine Makoumbou Samsunspor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #9 | Berat Özdemir Basaksehir FK | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #10 | Show Kocaelispor | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #11 | İsmail Yüksek Fenerbahce | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #12 | Ogün Özçiçek Gaziantep FK | 27-29 | 46.7% | 30.8% | +15.9% |
| #13 | Kaan Ayhan Galatasaray | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #14 | Okay Yokuşlu Trabzonspor | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #15 | Mario Lemina Galatasaray | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #16 | Taşkın İlter Eyüpspor | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #17 | Matías Kranevitter Fatih Karagümrük | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #18 | Marko Jevtovic Konyaspor | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #19 | Melih Kabasakal Gaziantep FK | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
| #20 | Dorukhan Toköz Kayserispor | 30+ | 21.2% | 33.3% | -12.1% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 11 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 12 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 €22.0M. 0 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mario Lemina Galatasaray | €6.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Wilfred Ndidi Besiktas JK | €10.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Taşkın İlter Eyüpspor | €150K | €1.5M | -0.64 | Good Value |
Necip Uysal Besiktas JK | €200K | €1.5M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Yunus Emre Çift Samsunspor | €600K | €1.5M | -0.47 | Fair Value |
Onur Ergün Basaksehir FK | €250K | €1.5M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Ufuk Akyol Konyaspor | €500K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Ogün Özçiçek Gaziantep FK | €500K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Peter Etebo Genclerbirligi Ankara | €300K | €1.5M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Mahamadou Susoho Kocaelispor | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | €1.5M | €1.5M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Bartuğ Elmaz Fatih Karagümrük | €1.5M | €1.5M | -0.17 | Fair Value |
Celil Yüksel Samsunspor | €800K | €1.5M | -0.17 | Fair Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Marko Jevtovic Konyaspor | €500K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Youssef Aït Bennasser Kayserispor | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Lucas Torreira Galatasaray | €12.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tom Dele-Bashiru Genclerbirligi Ankara | €1.8M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Edson Álvarez Fenerbahce | €22.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |