Under 23 · World · 2026-27

Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the World

187 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the World (Apr 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: World Young Defensive Midfielders 2026-27

Our database tracked 187 World Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 168 clubs with a combined market value of €581.8M. The average market value for World Young Defensive Midfielders was €3.1M, with the average age at 21.6 years old.

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the World was Ryan Gravenberch, worth €75.0M and played for Liverpool FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €46.4M in market value, including Aleksandar Pavlovic and Roméo Lavia.

Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Zé Lucas (18 years, Sport Club do Recife, €5.0M), while the oldest was Ryan Gravenberch (23 years, Liverpool FC, €75.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.

Historical analysis showed 187 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 2026-27 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.

Market Intelligence

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 €581.8M combined value.

187

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: World Young Defensive Midfielders

The World CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (150 players, 80% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €526.3M, averaging €3.5M per player.

U21 years37 players (20%)

€55.5MAvg: €1.5M

Top player: Gabriel Moscardo (€8.0M)

21-23 years150 players (80%)

€526.3MAvg: €3.5M

Top player: Ryan Gravenberch (€75.0M)

Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket

U21 Years (37 players)

1. Gabriel Moscardo(20yo)

€8.0M

2. Elías Montiel(20yo)

€5.5M

3. Milton Delgado(20yo)

€5.0M

4. Yunus Konak(20yo)

€4.5M

5. Luca Lipani(20yo)

€4.5M

21-23 Years (150 players)

1. Ryan Gravenberch(23yo)

€75.0M

2. Aleksandar Pavlovic(21yo)

€55.0M

3. Roméo Lavia(22yo)

€40.0M

4. Carlos Baleba(22yo)

€40.0M

5. Arthur Vermeeren(21yo)

€22.0M

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

64%of market value

The top 19 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €375.0M

1. Ryan Gravenberch€75.0M

2. Aleksandar Pavlovic€55.0M

3. Roméo Lavia€40.0M

4. Carlos Baleba€40.0M

5. Arthur Vermeeren€22.0M

Market Tiers

Elite (€50M+)2 players (1%)

€130.0M

Premium (€30-50M)2 players (1%)

€80.0M

High (€15-30M)5 players (3%)

€90.0M

Mid (€5-15M)20 players (11%)

€127.5M

Emerging (<€5M)158 players (84%)

€154.3M

Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the World CDM pool.

Elite (€50M+)

1. Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool FC€75.0M

2. Aleksandar Pavlovic

Bayern Munich€55.0M

Premium (€30-50M)

1. Roméo Lavia

Chelsea FC€40.0M

2. Carlos Baleba

Brighton & Hove Albion€40.0M

High (€15-30M)

1. Arthur Vermeeren

Olympique Marseille€22.0M

2. Dário Essugo

Chelsea FC€20.0M

3. Lesley Ugochukwu

Burnley FC€18.0M

4. Máximo Perrone

Como 1907€15.0M

5. Ngal'ayel Mukau

LOSC Lille€15.0M

Club Distribution: World Young Defensive Midfielders

Among 168 World clubs, Liverpool FC leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €84.0M (averaging €42.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 7% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.

Liverpool FC

2 players • €84.0M

Chelsea FC

2 players • €60.0M

Bayern Munich

1 players • €55.0M

Brighton & Hove Albion

1 players • €40.0M

Olympique Marseille

1 players • €22.0M

LOSC Lille

2 players • €19.0M

Burnley FC

1 players • €18.0M

Como 1907

1 players • €15.0M

Southampton FC

1 players • €12.0M

#10

FC Nantes

2 players • €12.0M

Liverpool FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Ryan Gravenberch(23yo)

€75.0M

Stefan Bajcetic(21yo)

€9.0M

Chelsea FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Roméo Lavia(22yo)

€40.0M

Dário Essugo(21yo)

€20.0M

Bayern Munich (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Aleksandar Pavlovic(21yo)

€55.0M

Brighton & Hove Albion (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Carlos Baleba(22yo)

€40.0M

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool FC • 23 years old

€64.9M

€75.0M

+15.6%

€72.7M€92.5M

Expected: €82.6M

94.6

Aleksandar Pavlovic

Bayern Munich • 21 years old

€47.6M

€55.0M

+15.6%

€56.6M€74.7M

Expected: €65.6M

87.5

Roméo Lavia

Chelsea FC • 22 years old

€34.6M

€40.0M

+15.6%

€40.4M€51.4M

Expected: €45.9M

70.8

Carlos Baleba

Brighton & Hove Albion • 22 years old

€34.6M

€40.0M

+15.6%

€40.4M€51.4M

Expected: €45.9M

70.6

Arthur Vermeeren

Olympique Marseille • 21 years old

€19.0M

€22.0M

+15.6%

€21.7M€28.7M

Expected: €25.2M

48.2

Dário Essugo

Chelsea FC • 21 years old

€17.3M

€20.0M

+15.6%

€19.8M€26.1M

Expected: €22.9M

46.1

Lesley Ugochukwu

Burnley FC • 22 years old

€15.6M

€18.0M

+15.6%

€17.5M€22.2M

Expected: €19.8M

43.9

Máximo Perrone

Como 1907 • 23 years old

€13.0M

€15.0M

+15.6%

€14.0M€17.8M

Expected: €15.9M

41.0

Ngal'ayel Mukau

LOSC Lille • 21 years old

€13.0M

€15.0M

+15.6%

€14.8M€19.6M

Expected: €17.2M

40.5

#10

Shea Charles

Southampton FC • 22 years old

€10.4M

€12.0M

+15.6%

€11.6M€14.8M

Expected: €13.2M

37.2

#11

Reda Belahyane

SS Lazio • 21 years old

€8.6M

€10.0M

+15.6%

€9.9M€13.0M

Expected: €11.5M

31.4

#12

Stefan Bajcetic

Liverpool FC • 21 years old

€7.8M

€9.0M

+15.6%

€8.9M€11.7M

Expected: €10.3M

30.5

#13

Gabriel Moscardo

SC Braga • 20 years old

€6.9M

€8.0M

+15.6%

€8.2M€10.8M

Expected: €9.5M

28.4

#15

Eric Martel

1.FC Köln • 23 years old

€5.2M

€6.0M

+15.6%

€5.6M€7.1M

Expected: €6.4M

28.3

#14

Johann Lepenant

FC Nantes • 23 years old

€5.2M

€6.0M

+15.6%

€5.6M€7.1M

Expected: €6.4M

28.3

#16

Oussama Targhalline

Feyenoord Rotterdam • 23 years old

€5.2M

€6.0M

+15.6%

€5.6M€7.1M

Expected: €6.4M

28.0

#17

Junior Mwanga

FC Nantes • 22 years old

€5.2M

€6.0M

+15.6%

€5.8M€7.4M

Expected: €6.6M

27.6

#19

Stije Resink

FC Groningen • 22 years old

€5.2M

€6.0M

+15.6%

€5.8M€7.4M

Expected: €6.6M

27.3

#18

Lucas Gourna-Douath

Red Bull Salzburg • 22 years old

€5.2M

€6.0M

+15.6%

€5.8M€7.4M

Expected: €6.6M

27.3

#20

Fidel Ambríz

CF Monterrey • 23 years old

€4.3M

€5.0M

+15.6%

€4.7M€5.9M

Expected: €5.3M

27.0

...

Showing 1-20 of 187

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)

Liverpool FC's Ryan Gravenberch at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 100.00×. That means Ryan Gravenberch 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 Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is 21 years old, with a 73.33× PPVE. Third is Roméo Lavia of Chelsea FC, who is 22 years old with a 53.33× 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

Ryan GravenberchLiverpool FC

21-23 • 23yo100.00×

€75.0M • 9900% above median

Aleksandar PavlovicBayern Munich

21-23 • 21yo73.33×

€55.0M • 7233% above median

Roméo LaviaChelsea FC

21-23 • 22yo53.33×

€40.0M • 5233% above median

Carlos BalebaBrighton & Hove Albion

21-23 • 22yo53.33×

€40.0M • 5233% above median

Arthur VermeerenOlympique Marseille

21-23 • 21yo29.33×

€22.0M • 2833% above median

Dário EssugoChelsea FC

21-23 • 21yo26.67×

€20.0M • 2567% above median

Lesley UgochukwuBurnley FC

21-23 • 22yo24.00×

€18.0M • 2300% above median

Ngal'ayel MukauLOSC Lille

21-23 • 21yo20.00×

€15.0M • 1900% above median

Máximo PerroneComo 1907

21-23 • 23yo20.00×

€15.0M • 1900% above median

Gabriel MoscardoSC Braga

U21 • 20yo16.00×

€8.0M • 1500% above median

Shea CharlesSouthampton FC

21-23 • 22yo16.00×

€12.0M • 1500% above median

Reda BelahyaneSS Lazio

21-23 • 21yo13.33×

€10.0M • 1233% above median

Stefan BajceticLiverpool FC

21-23 • 21yo12.00×

€9.0M • 1100% above median

Elías MontielCF Pachuca

U21 • 20yo11.00×

€5.5M • 1000% above median

Milton DelgadoCA Boca Juniors

U21 • 20yo10.00×

€5.0M • 900% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool FC	23	21-23	€75.0M	€750K	100.00×
#2	Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich	21	21-23	€55.0M	€750K	73.33×
#3	Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC	22	21-23	€40.0M	€750K	53.33×
#4	Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion	22	21-23	€40.0M	€750K	53.33×
#5	Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille	21	21-23	€22.0M	€750K	29.33×
#6	Dário Essugo Chelsea FC	21	21-23	€20.0M	€750K	26.67×
#7	Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC	22	21-23	€18.0M	€750K	24.00×
#8	Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille	21	21-23	€15.0M	€750K	20.00×
#9	Máximo Perrone Como 1907	23	21-23	€15.0M	€750K	20.00×
#10	Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga	20	U21	€8.0M	€500K	16.00×
#11	Shea Charles Southampton FC	22	21-23	€12.0M	€750K	16.00×
#12	Reda Belahyane SS Lazio	21	21-23	€10.0M	€750K	13.33×
#13	Stefan Bajcetic Liverpool FC	21	21-23	€9.0M	€750K	12.00×
#14	Elías Montiel CF Pachuca	20	U21	€5.5M	€500K	11.00×
#15	Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors	20	U21	€5.0M	€500K	10.00×
#16	Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife	18	U21	€5.0M	€500K	10.00×
#17	Yunus Konak Brentford FC	20	U21	€4.5M	€500K	9.00×
#18	Luca Lipani US Sassuolo	20	U21	€4.5M	€500K	9.00×
#19	Junior Mwanga FC Nantes	22	21-23	€6.0M	€750K	8.00×
#20	Johann Lepenant FC Nantes	23	21-23	€6.0M	€750K	8.00×

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)

San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Zé Lucas is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.

In second is Sport Club do Recife's Zé Lucas, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Eduardo Felicíssimo of Sporting CP B, who is 19 years old with a +44% RPP (7 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

Kevin MeridaSan Antonio Bulo Bulo

8yr to peak+48%

€375K → €721K

Zé LucasSport Club do Recife

8yr to peak+48%

€5.0M → €9.6M

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

7yr to peak+44%

€3.0M → €5.4M

Leonardo MendicinoAC Reggiana 1919

7yr to peak+44%

€800K → €1.4M

Luis OtávioSport Club Internacional

7yr to peak+44%

€2.5M → €4.5M

Alejandro AraratCD Atlético Huila

7yr to peak+44%

€250K → €447K

Luca RegiardoCA Newell's Old Boys

7yr to peak+44%

€500K → €894K

Halam LoboaIndependiente Medellín

7yr to peak+44%

€300K → €536K

Amine BoukamirRoyal Charleroi SC

7yr to peak+44%

€300K → €536K

Camilo Rey DomenechCA Boca Juniors

6yr to peak+40%

€500K → €831K

Santiago CuizaCD Real Tomayapo

6yr to peak+40%

€300K → €499K

Matías GalindoClub A.B.B.

6yr to peak+40%

€400K → €665K

Juan Sebastián RodríguezCD Tondela

6yr to peak+40%

€500K → €831K

Valentino AcuñaCA Newell's Old Boys

6yr to peak+40%

€300K → €499K

Murilo RhikmanCruzeiro Esporte Clube

6yr to peak+40%

€250K → €415K

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo	18	8	€375K	€721K	+48%
#2	Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife	18	8	€5.0M	€9.6M	+48%
#3	Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	19	7	€3.0M	€5.4M	+44%
#4	Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919	19	7	€800K	€1.4M	+44%
#5	Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional	19	7	€2.5M	€4.5M	+44%
#6	Alejandro Ararat CD Atlético Huila	19	7	€250K	€447K	+44%
#7	Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys	19	7	€500K	€894K	+44%
#8	Halam Loboa Independiente Medellín	19	7	€300K	€536K	+44%
#9	Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC	19	7	€300K	€536K	+44%
#10	Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors	20	6	€500K	€831K	+40%
#11	Santiago Cuiza CD Real Tomayapo	20	6	€300K	€499K	+40%
#12	Matías Galindo Club A.B.B.	20	6	€400K	€665K	+40%
#13	Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela	20	6	€500K	€831K	+40%
#14	Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys	20	6	€300K	€499K	+40%
#15	Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube	20	6	€250K	€415K	+40%
#16	Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga	20	6	€8.0M	€13.3M	+40%
#17	Elías Montiel CF Pachuca	20	6	€5.5M	€9.1M	+40%
#18	Daniil Vashchenko FC Oleksandriya	20	6	€400K	€665K	+40%
#19	Yunus Konak Brentford FC	20	6	€4.5M	€7.5M	+40%
#20	Marcelo Gonzales Club Aurora	20	6	€300K	€499K	+40%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Sport Club do Recife's Zé Lucas has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Zé Lucas has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.

In second is San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Luis Otávio of Sport Club Internacional 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 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

Zé LucasSport Club do Recife

↑28% / ±0%79.0

Range: €5.5M - €7.3M

Kevin MeridaSan Antonio Bulo Bulo

↑28% / ±0%79.0

Range: €413K - €546K

Luis OtávioSport Club Internacional

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €2.7M - €3.5M

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €3.2M - €4.2M

Alejandro AraratCD Atlético Huila

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €266K - €351K

Luca RegiardoCA Newell's Old Boys

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €532K - €703K

Halam LoboaIndependiente Medellín

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €319K - €422K

Amine BoukamirRoyal Charleroi SC

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €319K - €422K

Leonardo MendicinoAC Reggiana 1919

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €852K - €1.1M

Aleksandar PavlovicBayern Munich

↑19% / ±0%58.7

Range: €56.6M - €74.7M

Santiago CuizaCD Real Tomayapo

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €308K - €407K

Valentino AcuñaCA Newell's Old Boys

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €308K - €407K

Marcelo GonzalesClub Aurora

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €308K - €407K

Baran GezekEyüpspor

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €1.2M - €1.6M

Elías MontielCF Pachuca

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €5.6M - €7.5M

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife	€6.4M	€5.5M-7.3M	+28%	79.0
#2	Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo	€480K	€413K-546K	+28%	79.0
#3	Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional	€3.1M	€2.7M-3.5M	+23%	68.9
#4	Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	€3.7M	€3.2M-4.2M	+23%	68.9
#5	Alejandro Ararat CD Atlético Huila	€309K	€266K-351K	+23%	68.9
#6	Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys	€617K	€532K-703K	+23%	68.9
#7	Halam Loboa Independiente Medellín	€370K	€319K-422K	+23%	68.9
#8	Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC	€370K	€319K-422K	+23%	68.9
#9	Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919	€988K	€852K-1.1M	+23%	68.9
#10	Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich	€65.6M	€56.6M-74.7M	+19%	58.7
#11	Santiago Cuiza CD Real Tomayapo	€357K	€308K-407K	+19%	58.0
#12	Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys	€357K	€308K-407K	+19%	58.0
#13	Marcelo Gonzales Club Aurora	€357K	€308K-407K	+19%	58.0
#14	Baran Gezek Eyüpspor	€1.4M	€1.2M-1.6M	+19%	58.0
#15	Elías Montiel CF Pachuca	€6.5M	€5.6M-7.5M	+19%	58.0
#16	Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors	€595K	€513K-678K	+19%	58.0
#17	Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela	€595K	€513K-678K	+19%	58.0
#18	Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube	€298K	€257K-339K	+19%	58.0
#19	Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga	€9.5M	€8.2M-10.8M	+19%	58.0
#20	Ronny Borja CS Emelec	€298K	€257K-339K	+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 weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

187

Total Players

-0.00

Avg Z-Score

-0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Ryan Gravenberch+8.66

Aleksandar Pavlovic+6.25

Roméo Lavia+4.44

Carlos Baleba+4.44

Arthur Vermeeren+2.28

Lowest Z-Scores

Ariel Gauto-0.35

Agustin Baldi-0.35

Cristóbal Castillo-0.35

Alejandro Ararat-0.34

Leonardo Colombo-0.34

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

CA Boca Juniors's Camilo Rey Domenech in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-10.3%. That means Gabriel Moscardo captures 9.5% of total market value while representing only 19.8% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.

In second is CD Real Tomayapo's Santiago Cuiza with a +-10.3% ASC (9.5% value share vs 19.8% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Efe Akman of FC Andorra with a +-10.3% ASC (9.5% value vs 19.8% players in U21 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-10.3% ASC means the player captures -10.3% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.