Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the World
201 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 2026-27
Our database tracked 201 World Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 173 clubs with a combined market value of €526.2M. The average market value for World Young Defensive Midfielders was €2.6M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the World was Adam Wharton, worth €60.0M and played for Crystal Palace at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €39.8M in market value, including Carlos Baleba 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 201 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.
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 173 clubs with €526.2M 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 (164 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €453.9M, averaging €2.8M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (37 players)
21-23 Years (164 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 21 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 173 World clubs, Brighton & Hove Albion leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €82.0M (averaging €41.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 7% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Brighton & Hove Albion (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Crystal Palace (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
AC Milan (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Barcelona (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.
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
90.5
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 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
Marc Casadó
FC Barcelona • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
51.4
Jack Hinshelwood
Brighton & Hove Albion • 21 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.2M
48.2
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
Aljoscha Kemlein
1.FC Union Berlin • 21 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.3M
30.3
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
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
29.3
Alonzo Engwanda
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
29.0
Artem Karpukas
Lokomotiv Moscow • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
28.0
Matteo Prati
Torino FC • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
27.6
Jorthy Mokio
Ajax Amsterdam • 18 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
27.5
Zé Lucas
Sport Club do Recife • 18 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.2M
27.5
Facundo Bernal
Fluminense Football Club • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
27.3
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga • 20 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.3M
27.2
Amadou Koné
NEOM SC • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.9M
26.7
Demir Ege Tıknaz
SC Braga • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.9M
26.7
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)
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 75.00×. That means Adam Wharton is valued 75.00× 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 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 75.00× means the player is worth 7400% 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 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €800K | 75.00× |
| #2 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €800K | 75.00× |
| #3 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €800K | 40.00× |
| #4 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €450K | 33.33× |
| #5 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #6 | Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | 21 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €800K | 27.50× |
| #7 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €450K | 17.78× |
| #8 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €450K | 17.78× |
| #9 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €7.0M | €450K | 15.56× |
| #10 | Lamare Bogarde Aston Villa | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #11 | Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €450K | 13.33× |
| #12 | Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €450K | 13.33× |
| #13 | Aljoscha Kemlein 1.FC Union Berlin | 21 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €800K | 11.25× |
| #14 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €800K | 10.00× |
| #15 | Junior Mwanga RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #16 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #17 | Johann Lepenant FC Nantes | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #18 | Amadou Koné NEOM SC | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €800K | 7.50× |
| #19 | Artem Karpukas Lokomotiv Moscow | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €800K | 7.50× |
| #20 | Demir Ege Tıknaz SC Braga | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €800K | 7.50× |
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 Zaglebie Lubin's Mateusz Dziewiatowski, 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 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | 18 | 8 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #2 | Mateusz Dziewiatowski Zaglebie Lubin | 18 | 8 | €400K | €769K | +48% |
| #3 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #4 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | 18 | 8 | €450K | €865K | +48% |
| #5 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #6 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #7 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | 19 | 7 | €225K | €402K | +44% |
| #8 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #9 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #10 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.6M | +44% |
| #11 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #12 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #13 | Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys | 20 | 6 | €1.7M | €2.8M | +40% |
| #14 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #15 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #16 | David Bosak HNK Cibalia Vinkovci | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #17 | Fran Svraka NK BSK Bijelo Brdo | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #18 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #19 | Matías Galindo Bolívar La Paz | 20 | 6 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #20 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 20 | 6 | €250K | €415K | +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 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 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | €576K | €496K-655K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Nejc Viher NK Maribor | €384K | €331K-437K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Mateusz Dziewiatowski Zaglebie Lubin | €512K | €441K-582K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #5 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #6 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €2.5M | €2.1M-2.8M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Amine Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | €278K | €239K-316K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Branko Pavic HNK Rijeka | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Matías Galindo Bolívar La Paz | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Enoch Mastoras AZ Alkmaar U21 | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Henrique Arreiol Legia Warszawa | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | David Bosak HNK Cibalia Vinkovci | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Murilo Rhikman Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | €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 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)
RC Strasbourg Alsace's Junior Mwanga in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +4.7%. That means Adam Wharton captures 86.3% of total market value while representing only 81.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is CA Juventud's Rodrigo Chagas with a +4.7% ASC (86.3% value share vs 81.6% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Oskar Leśniak of Piast Gliwice with a +4.7% ASC (86.3% value vs 81.6% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +4.7% ASC means the player captures 4.7% 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 | Junior Mwanga RC Strasbourg Alsace | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #2 | Rodrigo Chagas CA Juventud | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #3 | Oskar Leśniak Piast Gliwice | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #4 | Marco Salazar Club A.B.B. | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #5 | Lautaro López Lommel SK | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #6 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #7 | Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #8 | Theofanis Bakoulas Olympiacos Piraeus | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #9 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #10 | Petar Antolkovic NK Sesvete | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #11 | Dokou Dodo Leixões SC | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #12 | Charlys AC Reggiana 1919 | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #13 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #14 | Léo Azevedo SC União Torreense | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #15 | Lucas Kallyel Clube de Regatas Brasil (AL) | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #16 | Dani Borges UD Leiria | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #17 | Cauan Barros Clube de Regatas Vasco da Gama | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #18 | Kauã Diniz América Futebol Clube (MG) | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #19 | Bernardo Parra Querétaro FC | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
| #20 | Rayan Lucas Sporting CP B | 21-23 | 86.3% | 81.6% | +4.7% |
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: 37 immediate targets, 164 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, 29 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lorenzo Amatucci UD Las Palmas | €5.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | €22.0M | €750K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | €6.0M | €750K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | €6.0M | €750K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Tomoya Takahashi UD Oliveirense | €225K | €750K | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Marco Salazar Club A.B.B. | €225K | €750K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Fernandinho FC Paços de Ferreira | €225K | €750K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Martín Mora San Antonio FC | €225K | €750K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ivan Pyatkin FC Tyumen | €225K | €750K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Niko Garic NK Dugopolje | €225K | €750K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Maximiliano González Club Deportivo Maldonado | €225K | €750K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Oskar Leśniak Piast Gliwice | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Mouhamed Guèye KV Kortrijk | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Maksim Laykin Spartak Moscow | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Kobe Hernández-Foster Detroit City FC | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Jakub Bieroński GKS Tychy | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Jakub Kolan Zaglebie Lubin | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Matthew Craig Tottenham Hotspur U21 | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Ruslan Chobanov Chaika Peschanokopskoe | €250K | €750K | -0.39 | Fair Value |