Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the World
172 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Centre-Backs in the World (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: World Young Centre-Backs 2023-24
Our database tracked 172 World Young Centre-Backs in the 2023-24 season, representing 148 clubs with a combined market value of €518.7M. The average market value for World Young Centre-Backs was €3.0M, with the average age at 21.7 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 €39.4M in market value, including Ousmane Diomande and Cristhian Mosquera.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Nunzio Engwanda (18 years, RSCA Futures, €900K), while the oldest was Koni De Winter (23 years, AC Milan, €22.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 172 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 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 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 148 clubs with €518.7M 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, 83% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €460.8M, averaging €3.2M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (29 players)
21-23 Years (143 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 18 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €353.5M
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 148 World clubs, Sporting CP leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €75.0M (averaging €37.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 6% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Sporting CP (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Real Madrid (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Arsenal FC (1 Young Centre-Backs)
AC Milan (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. 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
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
74.4
Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal FC • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
56.3
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
55.7
Koni De Winter
AC Milan • 23 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.6M
48.1
Maxime Estève
Burnley FC • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
46.1
Mamadou Sarr
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 20 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
45.4
Youri Baas
Ajax Amsterdam • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
41.0
Javi Rodríguez
Celta de Vigo • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
Joane Gadou
Red Bull Salzburg • 19 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.9M
39.3
Matte Smets
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
38.5
Jair Cunha
Nottingham Forest • 21 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.3M
38.2
Valentín Gómez
Real Betis Balompié • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
32.1
Wouter Goes
AZ Alkmaar • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
31.2
Isaak Touré
FC Lorient • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
29.9
Nicolò Bertola
Udinese Calcio • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
28.9
Mariano Troilo
Parma Calcio 1913 • 22 years old
€5.6M
€6.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.9M
28.6
Fedde Leysen
Union Saint-Gilloise • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
27.8
David Ricardo
Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
27.7
Giovanni Bonfanti
Pisa Sporting Club • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
27.5
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)
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 100.00×. That means Dean Huijsen is valued 100.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande, who is 22 years old, with a 64.29× PPVE. Third is Zeno Debast of Sporting CP, who is 22 years old with a 42.86× 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 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €700K | 100.00× |
| #2 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €700K | 64.29× |
| #3 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #4 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #5 | Mamadou Sarr RC Strasbourg Alsace | 20 | U21 | €20.0M | €500K | 40.00× |
| #6 | Koni De Winter AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €700K | 31.43× |
| #7 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €500K | 30.00× |
| #8 | Maxime Estève Burnley FC | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #9 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #10 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #11 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €700K | 18.57× |
| #12 | Jair Cunha Nottingham Forest | 21 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €700K | 18.57× |
| #13 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #14 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #15 | Isaak Touré FC Lorient | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €700K | 10.00× |
| #16 | Mariano Troilo Parma Calcio 1913 | 22 | 21-23 | €6.5M | €700K | 9.29× |
| #17 | Nicolò Bertola Udinese Calcio | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €700K | 8.57× |
| #18 | Fedde Leysen Union Saint-Gilloise | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €700K | 8.57× |
| #19 | Mikayil Faye US Cremonese | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €700K | 8.57× |
| #20 | Victor Gabriel Sport Club Internacional | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €700K | 7.14× |
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)
RSCA Futures's Nunzio Engwanda at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Nunzio Engwanda is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Monagas SC's Marcos Maitán, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Nicolás Villarroel of Club Jorge Wilstermann , 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 | Nunzio Engwanda RSCA Futures | 18 | 8 | €900K | €1.6M | +44% |
| #2 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | 18 | 8 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #3 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Jorge Wilstermann | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #4 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #5 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #6 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #7 | Escleizon Freita Bolívar La Paz | 19 | 7 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #8 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #9 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #10 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #11 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #12 | Paolo Calione Club Nacional | 19 | 7 | €750K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #13 | Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #14 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #15 | Alejandro Pósito Club Sporting Cristal | 20 | 6 | €375K | €580K | +35% |
| #16 | Juan David Sánchez Deportivo Táchira | 20 | 6 | €275K | €425K | +35% |
| #17 | Anthony Goiás EC | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #18 | Julián Bazán Deportivo Pereira | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #19 | Diego Saavedra Gualberto Villarroel San José | 20 | 6 | €225K | €348K | +35% |
| #20 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Monagas SC's Marcos Maitán has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Marcos Maitán has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Club Jorge Wilstermann 's Nicolás Villarroel with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Nunzio Engwanda of RSCA Futures 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 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | Marcos Maitán Monagas SC | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Nicolás Villarroel Club Jorge Wilstermann | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Nunzio Engwanda RSCA Futures | €1.1M | €958K-1.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Raul Gomez Real Oruro | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Escleizon Freita Bolívar La Paz | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Lautaro Dufur CA Rentistas | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Luis Benedetti Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Paolo Calione Club Nacional | €893K | €770K-1.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #14 | Anthony Goiás EC | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #15 | Julián Bazán Deportivo Pereira | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Diego Saavedra Gualberto Villarroel San José | €258K | €222K-294K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Pietro Comi Atalanta U23 | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Juan Villalba Club de Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata | €344K | €297K-391K | +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)
Magallanes's Alonso Walters in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +5.7%. That means Dean Huijsen captures 88.8% of total market value while representing only 83.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sport Club Corinthians Paulista's Tchoca with a +5.7% ASC (88.8% value share vs 83.1% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is David Morosini of CA Juventud with a +5.7% ASC (88.8% value vs 83.1% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +5.7% ASC means the player captures 5.7% 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 | Alonso Walters Magallanes | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #2 | Tchoca Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #3 | David Morosini CA Juventud | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #4 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #5 | Miguel Vázquez CF América | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #6 | Lautaro Di Lollo CA Boca Juniors | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #7 | Pedro Gomes Kapaz PFK | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #8 | Kevin Jappert CA Barracas Central | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #9 | Valentín Gauthier Club León FC | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #10 | Andrés Moreno Club Deportivo Guabirá | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #11 | Eduardo Águila Atlético de San Luis | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #12 | Maizon Rodríguez CA Unión (Santa Fe) | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #13 | Marcos Gómez CA Boston River | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #14 | Valentín Vidal Unión Española | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #15 | Eduardo Agüero Montevideo City Torque | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #16 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #17 | Gustavo Mancha Olympiacos Piraeus | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #18 | Jonathan Jesus Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #19 | Abner Esporte Clube Juventude | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
| #20 | Ramiro Franco Club Tijuana | 21-23 | 88.8% | 83.1% | +5.7% |
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: 12 immediate targets, 160 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 €350K. 0 undervalued, 29 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €15.0M | €600K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | €15.0M | €600K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | €15.0M | €600K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Victor Gabriel Sport Club Internacional | €5.0M | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
David Ricardo Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas | €5.0M | €600K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Alonso Walters Magallanes | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Sebastián Acuña Rangers de Talca | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Matías Valenti CS Independiente Rivadavia | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Agustín Massaccesi CA Defensores de Belgrano | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Carlos Montoya CD Unión Comercio | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Jordan Ponguillo Técnico Universitario | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Cristián Díaz Deportes Antofagasta | €225K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Andrés Moreno Club Deportivo Guabirá | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Dantas Grêmio Novorizontino | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Guillermo Rodríguez Club Atlético San Martín (Tucumán) | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Adrián Brizuela Sportivo Luqueño | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Simón García Atlético Nacional | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
David Retamal Club Universidad de Chile | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Líder Cáceres Atlético Tembetary | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Stalin Valencia Once Caldas | €250K | €600K | -0.28 | Fair Value |