Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the World
174 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: World Young Centre-Backs 2022-23
Our database tracked 174 World Young Centre-Backs in the 2022-23 season, representing 160 clubs with a combined market value of €725.0M. The average market value for World Young Centre-Backs was €4.2M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the World was Dean Huijsen, worth €70.0M and played for Real Madrid at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €49.0M in market value, including Pau Cubarsí and Luka Vuskovic.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Honest Ahanor (18 years, Atalanta BC, €25.0M), while the oldest was Koni De Winter (23 years, AC Milan, €20.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 174 Young Centre-Backs (100%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Young Centre-Backs remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity 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 World
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all World Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 160 clubs with €725.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: World Young Centre-Backs
The World CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (143 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €488.4M, averaging €3.4M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (31 players)
21-23 Years (143 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 18 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €474.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Young Centre-Backs
Among 160 World clubs, FC Barcelona leads with 1 Young Centre-Backs worth €80.0M (averaging €80.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 7% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
FC Barcelona (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Real Madrid (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Atalanta BC (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Hamburger SV (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
93.3
Pau Cubarsí
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €99.1M
91.1
Luka Vuskovic
Hamburger SV • 19 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
71.9
Vitor Reis
Girona FC • 20 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.4M
56.4
Honest Ahanor
Atalanta BC • 18 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.9M
51.3
Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool FC • 19 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.8M
51.2
Giorgio Scalvini
Atalanta BC • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
50.9
Konstantinos Koulierakis
VfL Wolfsburg • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
50.9
Renato Veiga
Villarreal CF • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
50.9
Koni De Winter
AC Milan • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
46.1
Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain • 22 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.2M
46.0
Ryan Flamingo
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€14.7M
€17.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.2M
42.9
Nnamdi Collins
Eintracht Frankfurt • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
Tiago Gabriel
US Lecce • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
40.3
CJ Egan-Riley
Olympique Marseille • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
38.4
Jan-Carlo Simić
Al-Ittihad Club • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
36.9
Diego Coppola
Paris FC • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
32.1
Daniele Ghilardi
AS Roma • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
30.9
Ayden Heaven
Manchester United • 19 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.9M
30.4
Andrew Omobamidele
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
29.9
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)
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí at 19 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 100.00×. That means Pau Cubarsí is valued 100.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen, who is 21 years old, with a 82.35× PPVE. Third is Luka Vuskovic of Hamburger SV, who is 19 years old with a 50.00× 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 100.00× means the player is worth 9900% 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €80.0M | €800K | 100.00× |
| #2 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €850K | 82.35× |
| #3 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | U21 | €40.0M | €800K | 50.00× |
| #4 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | 20 | U21 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #5 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | U21 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #6 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | U21 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #7 | Giorgio Scalvini Atalanta BC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €850K | 29.41× |
| #8 | Konstantinos Koulierakis VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €850K | 29.41× |
| #9 | Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €850K | 29.41× |
| #10 | Koni De Winter AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €850K | 23.53× |
| #11 | Lucas Beraldo Paris Saint-Germain | 22 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €850K | 23.53× |
| #12 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €850K | 20.00× |
| #13 | Tiago Gabriel US Lecce | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €850K | 17.65× |
| #14 | Nnamdi Collins Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €850K | 17.65× |
| #15 | CJ Egan-Riley Olympique Marseille | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €850K | 14.12× |
| #16 | Jan-Carlo Simić Al-Ittihad Club | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €850K | 14.12× |
| #17 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €800K | 12.50× |
| #18 | Diego Coppola Paris FC | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €850K | 11.76× |
| #19 | Taras Mykhavko Dynamo Kyiv | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €850K | 9.41× |
| #20 | Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €850K | 9.41× |
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)
Atalanta BC's Honest Ahanor at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Honest Ahanor is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Birmingham Legion FC's Ramiz Hamouda, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Brad Manguelle of Jong Genk, who is 18 years old with a +44% RPP (8 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | 8 | €25.0M | €44.7M | +44% |
| #2 | Ramiz Hamouda Birmingham Legion FC | 18 | 8 | €350K | €625K | +44% |
| #3 | Brad Manguelle Jong Genk | 18 | 8 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #4 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | 19 | 7 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #5 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #6 | Filipe Sousa FC Porto U19 | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #7 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #8 | Krzysztof Falowski LKS Lodz | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #9 | Vasco Santos UD Oliveirense | 19 | 7 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #10 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #11 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #12 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €16.6M | +40% |
| #13 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #14 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €40.0M | €66.5M | +40% |
| #15 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €80.0M | €133.0M | +40% |
| #16 | Ivan Cvetko NK Rudes | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #17 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #18 | Yoni Gomis SK Beveren | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #19 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | 20 | 6 | €30.0M | €46.4M | +35% |
| #20 | Luka Callø Aarhus Fremad | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Hamburger SV's Luka Vuskovic has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Pau Cubarsí has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí with a 70.0 RAU (24% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 70.0 means the upside is 70.0× 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 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €49.6M | €42.7M-56.4M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #3 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | €30.9M | €26.6M-35.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Brad Manguelle Jong Genk | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Ramiz Hamouda Birmingham Legion FC | €432K | €373K-492K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Vasco Santos UD Oliveirense | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Filipe Sousa FC Porto U19 | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Krzysztof Falowski LKS Lodz | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | €11.9M | €10.3M-13.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #17 | Luka Callø Aarhus Fremad | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | David Galiatsos Panetolikos GFS | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Tobias Slotsager Hellas Verona | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
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: young centre-back position shows strong 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)
Girona FC's Vitor Reis in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +14.8%. That means Pau Cubarsí captures 32.6% of total market value while representing only 17.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Lech Poznan's Wojciech Mońka with a +14.8% ASC (32.6% value share vs 17.8% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Luka Callø of Aarhus Fremad with a +14.8% ASC (32.6% value vs 17.8% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +14.8% ASC means the player captures 14.8% 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 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #2 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #3 | Luka Callø Aarhus Fremad | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #4 | Ivan Cvetko NK Rudes | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #5 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #6 | David Galiatsos Panetolikos GFS | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #7 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #8 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #9 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #10 | Filipe Sousa FC Porto U19 | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #11 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #12 | Ramiz Hamouda Birmingham Legion FC | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #13 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #14 | Krzysztof Falowski LKS Lodz | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #15 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #16 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #17 | Thiago Silvero CA Vélez Sarsfield | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #18 | Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #19 | Vasco Santos UD Oliveirense | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
| #20 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | U21 | 32.6% | 17.8% | +14.8% |
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: 15 immediate targets, 159 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
No players in this category
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 €550K. 0 undervalued, 16 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vitor Reis Girona FC | €30.0M | €850K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Juma Bah OGC Nice | €7.0M | €850K | -1.00 | Good Value |
André Amaro Al-Rayyan SC | €5.0M | €850K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Fedde Leysen Union Saint-Gilloise | €5.0M | €850K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | €5.0M | €850K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Victor Gabriel Sport Club Internacional | €5.0M | €850K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Tiago Gabriel US Lecce | €15.0M | €850K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Nnamdi Collins Eintracht Frankfurt | €15.0M | €850K | -0.63 | Good Value |
David Galiatsos Panetolikos GFS | €250K | €850K | -0.52 | Good Value |
Filipe Sousa FC Porto U19 | €250K | €850K | -0.52 | Good Value |
Krzysztof Falowski LKS Lodz | €250K | €850K | -0.52 | Good Value |
Matteo Duțu FC Dinamo 1948 | €250K | €850K | -0.52 | Good Value |
Thiago Silvero CA Vélez Sarsfield | €300K | €850K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | €300K | €850K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | €325K | €850K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | €17.0M | €850K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Ivan Cvetko NK Rudes | €350K | €850K | -0.37 | Fair Value |
Ramiz Hamouda Birmingham Legion FC | €350K | €850K | -0.37 | Fair Value |
Yoni Gomis SK Beveren | €350K | €850K | -0.37 | Fair Value |
Lautaro Di Lollo CA Boca Juniors | €6.0M | €850K | -0.33 | Fair Value |