Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the World
218 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 2025-26
Our database tracks 217 World Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 192 clubs with a combined market value of €609.6M. The average market value for World Young Defensive Midfielders is €2.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the World is Aleksandar Pavlovic, worth €65.0M and playing for Bayern Munich at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders average €41.6M in market value, including Carlos Baleba and Roméo Lavia.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder is Zé Lucas (18 years, Sport Club do Recife, €8.0M), while the oldest is Máximo Perrone (23 years, Como 1907, €25.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 217 Young Defensive Midfielders (100%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The World market for Young Defensive Midfielders remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected in the 2025-26 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 192 clubs with €609.6M 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 (165 players, 76% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €531.9M, averaging €3.2M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (52 players)
21-23 Years (165 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 22 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €389.5M
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 192 World clubs, Bayern Munich leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €65.0M (averaging €65.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 6% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Bayern Munich (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Brighton & Hove Albion (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Chelsea FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Olympique Marseille (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
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
90.5
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
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
29.3
Stije Resink
FC Groningen • 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
Zé Lucas
Sport Club do Recife • 18 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
27.5
Evertton Araújo
CR Flamengo • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
27.0
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 Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba, who is 22 years old, with a 75.00× PPVE. Third is Roméo Lavia of Chelsea FC, who is 22 years old with a 37.50× 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 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €800K | 75.00× |
| #3 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #4 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €800K | 35.00× |
| #5 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #6 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #7 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €800K | 25.00× |
| #8 | Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #9 | Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €800K | 21.25× |
| #10 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €600K | 16.67× |
| #11 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #12 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #13 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €600K | 13.33× |
| #14 | Reda Belahyane SS Lazio | 22 | 21-23 | €8.5M | €800K | 10.63× |
| #15 | Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €600K | 10.00× |
| #16 | Freddie Potts West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €800K | 10.00× |
| #17 | Junior Mwanga RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #18 | Stije Resink FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #19 | Stefan Bajcetic Liverpool FC | 21 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #20 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €600K | 8.33× |
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 Zaglebie Lubin's Mateusz Dziewiatowski, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Pascal Mozie of Legia Warszawa, 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 | Mateusz Dziewiatowski Zaglebie Lubin | 18 | 8 | €400K | €769K | +48% |
| #3 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #4 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #5 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #6 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | 19 | 7 | €225K | €402K | +44% |
| #7 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €850K | €1.5M | +44% |
| #8 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #9 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #10 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #11 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #12 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €17.9M | +44% |
| #13 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | 19 | 7 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #14 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.6M | +44% |
| #15 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #16 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #17 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #18 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #19 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | 19 | 7 | €250K | €447K | +44% |
| #20 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
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 Legia Warszawa's Pascal Mozie with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Mateusz Dziewiatowski of Zaglebie Lubin 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 | Pascal Mozie Legia Warszawa | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Mateusz Dziewiatowski Zaglebie Lubin | €512K | €441K-582K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #5 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.3M | €10.6M-14.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €2.5M | €2.1M-2.8M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | €309K | €266K-351K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Alejandro Ararat Independiente Yumbo | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #15 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #16 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | €278K | €239K-316K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #17 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #18 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #19 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #20 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | €1.0M | €905K-1.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
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 +11.2%. That means Aleksandar Pavlovic captures 87.3% of total market value while representing only 76.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Junior Mwanga with a +11.2% ASC (87.3% value share vs 76.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Ngal'ayel Mukau of LOSC Lille with a +11.2% ASC (87.3% value vs 76.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +11.2% ASC means the player captures 11.2% 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 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #2 | Junior Mwanga RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #3 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #4 | Kevin Balanta Fortaleza CEIF | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #5 | Rodrigo Chagas CA Juventud | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #6 | Oskar Leśniak Piast Gliwice | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #7 | Calebe Costa Cuiabá Esporte Clube (MT) | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #8 | Marco Salazar Club A.B.B. | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #9 | Lautaro López Lommel SK | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #10 | Elián Irala Shabab Al-Ahli Club | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #11 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #12 | Niko Sigur HNK Hajduk Split | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #13 | Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #14 | Kelliano Akhmat Grozny | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #15 | Selvi Clua CD Mirandés | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #16 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #17 | Ariel Gauto Club Sportivo Trinidense | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #18 | Guillermo Gandolfo Central Español FC | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #19 | Petar Antolkovic NK Sesvete | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
| #20 | Dokou Dodo Leixões SC | 21-23 | 87.3% | 76.0% | +11.2% |
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: 52 immediate targets, 165 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 €500K. 0 undervalued, 32 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €750K | -1.14 | Good Value |
Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | €60.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.0M | €750K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €750K | -0.71 | Good Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €750K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €750K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €750K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Mario Martín Getafe CF | €5.0M | €750K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | €6.0M | €750K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | €225K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Marcelo Gonzales Club Aurora | €225K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Niklas Swider Borussia Mönchengladbach | €250K | €750K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
David Bosak HNK Cibalia Vinkovci | €250K | €750K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €250K | €750K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Abraham Ojo Raków Częstochowa | €250K | €750K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Aaron Essel St. Johnstone FC | €250K | €750K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Leonel Pérez CA Huracán | €6.0M | €750K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Ibrahim Sulemana Cagliari Calcio | €6.0M | €750K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Marco Salazar Club A.B.B. | €225K | €750K | -0.33 | Fair Value |