Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the World
225 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 2024-25
Our database tracked 224 World Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 198 clubs with a combined market value of €712.8M. The average market value for World Young Defensive Midfielders was €3.2M, 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 €42.0M in market value, including Adam Wharton and Ardon Jashari.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest was Ardon Jashari (23 years, AC Milan, €32.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 224 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 2024-25 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 198 clubs with €712.8M 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 (183 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €637.8M, averaging €3.5M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (41 players)
21-23 Years (183 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 23 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €440.5M
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 198 World clubs, Bayern Munich leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €65.0M (averaging €65.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 5% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Bayern Munich (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Crystal Palace (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Barcelona (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
AC Milan (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
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
90.5
Ardon Jashari
AC Milan • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
61.8
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille • 21 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
54.8
Marc Casadó
FC Barcelona • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
51.4
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
Jack Hinshelwood
Brighton & Hove Albion • 21 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.2M
48.2
Dário Essugo
Chelsea FC • 21 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
46.1
Soungoutou Magassa
West Ham United • 22 years old
€14.7M
€17.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.7M
42.8
Aleksandar Stanković
Club Brugge KV • 20 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.9M
40.0
Lamare Bogarde
Aston Villa • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
37.5
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
Aljoscha Kemlein
1.FC Union Berlin • 21 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.3M
30.3
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
Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
29.3
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)
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 Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who is 22 years old, with a 75.00× PPVE. Third is Ardon Jashari of AC Milan, who is 23 years old with a 40.00× 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 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €800K | 75.00× |
| #3 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €800K | 40.00× |
| #4 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €800K | 35.00× |
| #5 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #6 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #7 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #8 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €500K | 30.00× |
| #9 | Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | 21 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €800K | 27.50× |
| #10 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #11 | Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €800K | 21.25× |
| #12 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €500K | 20.00× |
| #13 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €500K | 16.00× |
| #14 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #15 | Lamare Bogarde Aston Villa | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #16 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #17 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €7.0M | €500K | 14.00× |
| #18 | Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €500K | 12.00× |
| #19 | Aljoscha Kemlein 1.FC Union Berlin | 21 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €800K | 11.25× |
| #20 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 22 | 21-23 | €8.5M | €800K | 10.63× |
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 Maribor's Nejc Viher at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Jorthy Mokio is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Kevin Merida of San Antonio Bulo Bulo, 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 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #2 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #3 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | 18 | 8 | €450K | €865K | +48% |
| #4 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #5 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #6 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #7 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #8 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #9 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #10 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €17.9M | +44% |
| #11 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | 19 | 7 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #12 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #13 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #14 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #15 | Fran Svraka NK BSK Bijelo Brdo | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #16 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #17 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | 6 | €7.0M | €11.6M | +40% |
| #18 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #19 | Daniil Vashchenko FC Oleksandriya | 20 | 6 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #20 | Bastien Donio Górnik Zabrze | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Kevin Merida 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 Jorthy Mokio of Ajax Amsterdam 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 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | €576K | €496K-655K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.3M | €10.6M-14.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Noah Mawete SK Beveren | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Samuele Di Benedetto VfB Stuttgart II | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Martim Ferreira SL Benfica B | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Filip Rejczyk GKS Katowice | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Daniil Vashchenko FC Oleksandriya | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Enoch Mastoras AZ Alkmaar U21 | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +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 +7.8%. That means Aleksandar Pavlovic captures 89.5% of total market value while representing only 81.7% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is LOSC Lille's Ngal'ayel Mukau with a +7.8% ASC (89.5% value share vs 81.7% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Kevin Balanta of Fortaleza CEIF with a +7.8% ASC (89.5% value vs 81.7% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +7.8% ASC means the player captures 7.8% 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 | Ryan Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #2 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #3 | Kevin Balanta Fortaleza CEIF | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #4 | Calebe Costa Cuiabá Esporte Clube (MT) | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #5 | Elián Irala Shabab Al-Ahli Club | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #6 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #7 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #8 | Niko Sigur HNK Hajduk Split | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #9 | Kelliano Akhmat Grozny | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #10 | Theofanis Bakoulas Olympiacos Piraeus | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #11 | Selvi Clua CD Mirandés | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #12 | Ariel Gauto Club Sportivo Trinidense | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #13 | Guillermo Gandolfo Central Español FC | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #14 | Charlys AC Reggiana 1919 | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #15 | Léo Azevedo SC União Torreense | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #16 | Rayan Lucas Sporting CP B | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #17 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #18 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #19 | Paulo Vitor Avaí FC | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
| #20 | Samir Mayo Internacional de Bogotá | 21-23 | 89.5% | 81.7% | +7.8% |
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: 41 immediate targets, 183 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. 1 undervalued, 29 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €800K | -1.60 | Undervalued |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | €60.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €800K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Lorenzo Amatucci UD Las Palmas | €5.0M | €800K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €800K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Mario Martín Getafe CF | €5.0M | €800K | -0.80 | Good Value |
Marcelo Gonzales Club Aurora | €225K | €800K | -0.69 | Good Value |
Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | €6.0M | €800K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €250K | €800K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | €22.0M | €800K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Nejc Viher NK Maribor | €300K | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Noah Mawete SK Beveren | €300K | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Martim Ferreira SL Benfica B | €300K | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Filip Rejczyk GKS Katowice | €300K | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ariel Gauto Club Sportivo Trinidense | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Martín Mora San Antonio FC | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ivan Pyatkin FC Tyumen | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Maximiliano González Club Deportivo Maldonado | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Victor Eletu Milan Futuro | €225K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |