Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the World
189 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: World Young Defensive Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 188 World Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 168 clubs with a combined market value of €528.5M. The average market value for World Young Defensive Midfielders was €2.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the World was Aleksandar Pavlovic, worth €65.0M and played for Bayern Munich at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €34.6M in market value, including Roméo Lavia and Arthur Vermeeren.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest was Máximo Perrone (23 years, Como 1907, €25.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 188 Young Defensive Midfielders (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 Defensive Midfielders 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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 168 clubs with €528.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: World Young Defensive Midfielders
The World CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (145 players, 77% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €456.2M, averaging €3.1M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (43 players)
21-23 Years (145 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 19 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €321.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CDM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Young Defensive Midfielders
Among 168 World clubs, Bayern Munich leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €65.0M (averaging €65.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 7% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Bayern Munich (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Chelsea FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Olympique Marseille (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Burnley FC (1 Young 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.
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 22 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
92.9
Roméo Lavia
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
56.7
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille • 21 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
54.8
Lesley Ugochukwu
Burnley FC • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
51.2
Máximo Perrone
Como 1907 • 23 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
51.1
Dário Essugo
Chelsea FC • 21 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
46.1
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
44.0
Soungoutou Magassa
West Ham United • 22 years old
€14.7M
€17.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.7M
42.8
Shea Charles
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
37.2
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
37.2
Marc Bernal
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.3M
30.8
Reda Belahyane
SS Lazio • 22 years old
€7.4M
€8.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.4M
30.3
Freddie Potts
West Ham United • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
29.7
Ibrahima Sory Bangoura
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
29.4
Stije Resink
FC Groningen • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
29.0
Alonzo Engwanda
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
29.0
Ibrahim Sulemana
Cagliari Calcio • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
28.3
Stefan Bajcetic
Liverpool FC • 21 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.0M
28.3
Jorthy Mokio
Ajax Amsterdam • 18 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
27.5
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga • 20 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.3M
27.2
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)
Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 81.25×. That means Aleksandar Pavlovic is valued 81.25× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Chelsea FC's Roméo Lavia, who is 22 years old, with a 37.50× PPVE. Third is Arthur Vermeeren of Olympique Marseille, who is 21 years old with a 35.00× 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 81.25× means the player is worth 8025% 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 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 22 | 21-23 | €65.0M | €800K | 81.25× |
| #2 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #3 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €800K | 35.00× |
| #4 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #5 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #6 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #7 | Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #8 | Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €800K | 21.25× |
| #9 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €600K | 16.67× |
| #10 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #11 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #12 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €600K | 13.33× |
| #13 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €7.0M | €600K | 11.67× |
| #14 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 22 | 21-23 | €8.5M | €800K | 10.63× |
| #15 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €800K | 10.00× |
| #16 | Freddie Potts West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €800K | 10.00× |
| #17 | Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €600K | 10.00× |
| #18 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #19 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #20 | Stefan Bajcetic Liverpool FC | 21 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
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)
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb's Matija Subotic at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Matija Subotic is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is NK Maribor's Nejc Viher, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Jorthy Mokio of Ajax Amsterdam, who is 18 years old with a +48% 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 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% 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 | Matija Subotic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | 18 | 8 | €350K | €673K | +48% |
| #2 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #3 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #4 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #5 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €850K | €1.5M | +44% |
| #6 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #7 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #8 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #9 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #10 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #11 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €17.9M | +44% |
| #12 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | 19 | 7 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #13 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #14 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #15 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #16 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #17 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #18 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #19 | Fran Svraka NK BSK Bijelo Brdo | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #20 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb's Matija Subotic has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Matija Subotic has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is NK Maribor's Nejc Viher with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Pascal Mozie of Legia Warszawa with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 79.0 means the upside is 79.0× 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 | Matija Subotic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | €448K | €386K-509K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #5 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.3M | €10.6M-14.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #15 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #16 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | €1.0M | €905K-1.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #17 | Noah Mawete SK Beveren | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Samuele Di Benedetto VfB Stuttgart II | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Martim Ferreira SL Benfica B | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Filip Rejczyk GKS Katowice | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
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 defensive midfielder 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)
Fortaleza Esporte Clube's Ryan in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +9.2%. That means Aleksandar Pavlovic captures 86.3% of total market value while representing only 77.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ngal'ayel Mukau with a +9.2% ASC (86.3% value share vs 77.1% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Kevin Balanta of Fortaleza CEIF with a +9.2% ASC (86.3% value vs 77.1% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +9.2% ASC means the player captures 9.2% 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 | Ryan Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #2 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #3 | Kevin Balanta Fortaleza CEIF | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #4 | Calebe Costa Cuiabá Esporte Clube (MT) | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #5 | Elián Irala Shabab Al-Ahli Club | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #6 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #7 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #8 | Niko Sigur HNK Hajduk Split | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #9 | Kelliano Akhmat Grozny | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #10 | Theofanis Bakoulas Olympiacos Piraeus | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #11 | Selvi Clua CD Mirandés | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #12 | Ariel Gauto Club Sportivo Trinidense | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #13 | Guillermo Gandolfo Central Español FC | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #14 | Charlys AC Reggiana 1919 | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #15 | Léo Azevedo SC União Torreense | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #16 | Rayan Lucas Sporting CP B | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #17 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #18 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #19 | Paulo Vitor Avaí FC | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
| #20 | Samir Mayo Internacional de Bogotá | 21-23 | 86.3% | 77.1% | +9.2% |
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: 43 immediate targets, 145 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 €600K. 0 undervalued, 25 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €800K | -1.14 | Good Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mario Martín Getafe CF | €5.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €800K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Leonel Pérez CA Huracán | €6.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | €6.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ibrahim Sulemana Cagliari Calcio | €6.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ariel Gauto Club Sportivo Trinidense | €225K | €800K | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Maximiliano González Club Deportivo Maldonado | €225K | €800K | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Victor Eletu Milan Futuro | €225K | €800K | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Mariano Ahouangbo NK Olimpija Ljubljana | €250K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Axel León Unión San Felipe | €250K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Kobe Hernández-Foster Detroit City FC | €250K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Jakub Bieroński GKS Tychy | €250K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Jakub Kolan Zaglebie Lubin | €250K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Ruslan Chobanov Chaika Peschanokopskoe | €250K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Luca Denk FC Emmen | €275K | €800K | -0.42 | Fair Value |