Best Defensive Midfielders in the Süper Lig (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 41 Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €123.1M. The average market value for Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders was €3.0M, with the average age at 27.7 years old.
The most valuable defensive midfielder in the Süper Lig was Edson Álvarez, worth €24.0M and played for Fenerbahce at 28 years old. The top 5 Defensive Midfielders averaged €13.4M in market value, including Lucas Torreira and Wilfred Ndidi.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked defensive midfielder was Baran Gezek (20 years, Eyüpspor, €1.2M), while the oldest was Taras Stepanenko (36 years, Eyüpspor, €700K). Research shows Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 20 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 Süper Lig market for Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2023-24 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 18 clubs with €123.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders
The Süper Lig CDM market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 27-29 bracket (14 players, 34% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €62.9M, averaging €4.5M per player.
Top Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
24-26 Years (4 players)
27-29 Years (14 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 5 Defensive Midfielders (12% of players) control €67.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 2% of the Süper Lig CDM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Süper Lig Defensive Midfielders
Among 18 Süper Lig clubs, Fenerbahce leads with 3 Defensive Midfielders worth €36.8M (averaging €12.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 68% of tracked Defensive Midfielders.
Fenerbahce (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Galatasaray (3 Defensive Midfielders)
Besiktas JK (4 Defensive Midfielders)
Basaksehir FK (3 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.
Edson Álvarez
Fenerbahce • 28 years old
€25.4M
€24.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €21.1M
75.7
Lucas Torreira
Galatasaray • 30 years old
€16.8M
€13.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.8M
68.3
Wilfred Ndidi
Besiktas JK • 29 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.6M
67.1
İsmail Yüksek
Fenerbahce • 27 years old
€9.5M
€11.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.3M
65.6
Mario Lemina
Galatasaray • 32 years old
€9.0M
€7.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.8M
57.2
Demir Ege Tıknaz
Besiktas JK • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.9M
54.5
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
Berat Özdemir
Basaksehir FK • 27 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.2
Kaan Ayhan
Galatasaray • 31 years old
€4.5M
€3.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.9M
48.2
Antoine Makoumbou
Samsunspor • 27 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.5
Kartal Yılmaz
Besiktas JK • 25 years old
€2.4M
€2.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.0
Mateusz Legowski
Eyüpspor • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
40.6
Okay Yokuşlu
Trabzonspor • 32 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.1M
40.5
Maestro
Alanyaspor • 22 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
40.2
Bartuğ Elmaz
Fenerbahce • 23 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.5
Giannis Papanikolaou
Caykur Rizespor • 27 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.1
Andri Fannar Baldursson
Kasimpasa • 24 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.7
Salih Malkoçoğlu
Trabzonspor • 21 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
30.5
Oğulcan Ülgün
Genclerbirligi Ankara • 27 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
30.3
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 Demir Ege Tıknaz at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.40×. That means Demir Ege Tıknaz is valued 2.40× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Besiktas JK's Kartal Yılmaz, who is 25 years old, with a 2.33× PPVE. Third is Anthony Dennis of Göztepe, who is 21 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 2.40× means the player is worth 140% 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 | Demir Ege Tıknaz Besiktas JK | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €2.5M | 2.40× |
| #2 | Kartal Yılmaz Besiktas JK | 25 | 24-26 | €2.8M | €1.2M | 2.33× |
| #3 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.5M | 2.00× |
| #4 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.5M | 1.60× |
| #5 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | 24 | 24-26 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Maestro Alanyaspor | 22 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | 20 | U21 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fenerbahce | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €2.5M | 0.72× |
| #10 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | 21 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €2.5M | 0.48× |
| #11 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.5M | 0.40× |
| #12 | Janne-Pekka Laine Caykur Rizespor | 25 | 24-26 | €200K | €1.2M | 0.17× |
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 Besiktas JK's Demir Ege Tıknaz, who is 21 years old, with a +35% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Anthony Dennis of Göztepe, 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 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #2 | Demir Ege Tıknaz Besiktas JK | 21 | 5 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #3 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.7M | +35% |
| #4 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | 21 | 5 | €1.2M | €1.9M | +35% |
| #5 | Maestro Alanyaspor | 22 | 4 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #6 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.3M | +25% |
| #7 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #8 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #9 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fenerbahce | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #10 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | 24 | 2 | €1.2M | €1.5M | +20% |
| #11 | Kartal Yılmaz Besiktas JK | 25 | 1 | €2.8M | €3.2M | +14% |
| #12 | Janne-Pekka Laine Caykur Rizespor | 25 | 1 | €200K | €231K | +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 Trabzonspor's Salih Malkoçoğlu with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Demir Ege Tıknaz of Besiktas JK 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 | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Demir Ege Tıknaz Besiktas JK | €6.9M | €5.9M-7.8M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.7M | €4.9M-6.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Maestro Alanyaspor | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #6 | Andri Fannar Baldursson Kasimpasa | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Jakub Kaluzinski Basaksehir FK | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #8 | Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #9 | Mateusz Legowski Eyüpspor | €2.6M | €2.3M-3.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Bartuğ Elmaz Fenerbahce | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Oğulcan Ülgün Genclerbirligi Ankara | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #12 | İsmail Yüksek Fenerbahce | €11.3M | €10.0M-12.7M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #13 | Antoine Makoumbou Samsunspor | €3.6M | €3.2M-4.0M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #14 | Show Kocaelispor | €824K | €725K-923K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #15 | Ogün Özçiçek Gaziantep FK | €412K | €362K-461K | +3% | 12.0 |
| #16 | Giannis Papanikolaou Caykur Rizespor | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #17 | Berat Özdemir Basaksehir FK | €4.1M | €3.6M-4.6M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #18 | Rhaldney Göztepe | €1.0M | €906K-1.2M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #19 | Kartal Yılmaz Besiktas JK | €2.9M | €2.5M-3.2M | +2% | 9.8 |
| #20 | Janne-Pekka Laine Caykur Rizespor | €205K | €180K-229K | +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 +16.9%. That means Edson Álvarez captures 51.1% of total market value while representing only 34.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Kayserispor's Youssef Aït Bennasser with a +16.9% ASC (51.1% value share vs 34.1% player share in 27-29 bracket). Third is Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas JK with a +16.9% ASC (51.1% value vs 34.1% players in 27-29 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +16.9% ASC means the player captures 16.9% 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 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #2 | Youssef Aït Bennasser Kayserispor | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #3 | Wilfred Ndidi Besiktas JK | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #4 | Dorukhan Toköz Kayserispor | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #5 | Celil Yüksel Samsunspor | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #6 | Edson Álvarez Fenerbahce | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #7 | Oğulcan Ülgün Genclerbirligi Ankara | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #8 | Giannis Papanikolaou Caykur Rizespor | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #9 | Antoine Makoumbou Samsunspor | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #10 | Berat Özdemir Basaksehir FK | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #11 | Show Kocaelispor | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #12 | İsmail Yüksek Fenerbahce | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #13 | Rhaldney Göztepe | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #14 | Ogün Özçiçek Gaziantep FK | 27-29 | 51.1% | 34.1% | +16.9% |
| #15 | Kaan Ayhan Galatasaray | 30+ | 24.8% | 34.1% | -9.4% |
| #16 | Okay Yokuşlu Trabzonspor | 30+ | 24.8% | 34.1% | -9.4% |
| #17 | Mario Lemina Galatasaray | 30+ | 24.8% | 34.1% | -9.4% |
| #18 | Taşkın İlter Eyüpspor | 30+ | 24.8% | 34.1% | -9.4% |
| #19 | Badou Ndiaye Gaziantep FK | 30+ | 24.8% | 34.1% | -9.4% |
| #20 | Matías Kranevitter Fatih Karagümrük | 30+ | 24.8% | 34.1% | -9.4% |
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, 9 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 14 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 €24.0M. 0 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Novatus Miroshi Göztepe | €1.0M | €1.2M | -1.15 | Good Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mario Lemina Galatasaray | €7.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
İsmail Yüksek Fenerbahce | €11.0M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Salih Malkoçoğlu Trabzonspor | €1.2M | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ogün Özçiçek Gaziantep FK | €400K | €1.2M | -0.86 | Good Value |
Tolga Ciğerci Without Club | €175K | €1.2M | -0.85 | Good Value |
Taşkın İlter Eyüpspor | €200K | €1.2M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Onur Ergün Basaksehir FK | €300K | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Necip Uysal Besiktas JK | €300K | €1.2M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Ufuk Akyol Konyaspor | €600K | €1.2M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Bartuğ Elmaz Fenerbahce | €1.8M | €1.2M | -0.54 | Good Value |
Badou Ndiaye Gaziantep FK | €350K | €1.2M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Janne-Pekka Laine Caykur Rizespor | €200K | €1.2M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Peter Etebo Genclerbirligi Ankara | €400K | €1.2M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Yaw Ackah Kayserispor | €300K | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Show Kocaelispor | €800K | €1.2M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Celil Yüksel Samsunspor | €900K | €1.2M | -0.14 | Fair Value |
Marko Jevtovic Konyaspor | €600K | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Youssef Aït Bennasser Kayserispor | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |