Best U23 Young Left-Backs in the World
187 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Left-Backs in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: World Young Left-Backs 2023-24
Our database tracked 186 World Young Left-Backs in the 2023-24 season, representing 172 clubs with a combined market value of €748.5M. The average market value for World Young Left-Backs was €4.0M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young left-back in the World was Nuno Mendes, worth €75.0M and played for Paris Saint-Germain at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Left-Backs averaged €55.0M in market value, including Alejandro Balde and Álvaro Carreras.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young left-back was José Neto (18 years, SL Benfica B, €3.0M), while the oldest was Nuno Mendes (23 years, Paris Saint-Germain, €75.0M). Research shows Young Left-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 186 Young Left-Backs (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 Left-Backs 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 Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 172 clubs with €748.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: World Young Left-Backs
The World LB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (156 players, 84% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €697.6M, averaging €4.5M per player.
Top Young Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (30 players)
21-23 Years (156 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 19 Young Left-Backs (10% of players) control €516.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 2% of the World LB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: World Young Left-Backs
Among 172 World clubs, Paris Saint-Germain leads with 1 Young Left-Backs worth €75.0M (averaging €75.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 6% of tracked Young Left-Backs.
Paris Saint-Germain (1 Young Left-Backs)
FC Barcelona (1 Young Left-Backs)
Real Madrid (1 Young Left-Backs)
Tottenham Hotspur (2 Young Left-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Nuno Mendes
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €83.6M
95.5
Alejandro Balde
FC Barcelona • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.1M
90.1
Álvaro Carreras
Real Madrid • 23 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €66.9M
88.8
Nico O'Reilly
Manchester City • 21 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.9M
70.4
Milos Kerkez
Liverpool FC • 22 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.1M
69.8
Destiny Udogie
Tottenham Hotspur • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.6M
69.2
Nathaniel Brown
Eintracht Frankfurt • 22 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.6M
64.6
Lewis Hall
Newcastle United • 21 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €36.7M
61.9
Patrick Dorgu
Manchester United • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
56.3
Matteo Ruggeri
Atlético de Madrid • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
41.3
Victor Kristiansen
Leicester City • 23 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.0M
40.0
Hugo Bueno
Wolverhampton Wanderers • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
32.8
Álex Valle
Como 1907 • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
32.1
Samuel Iling-Junior
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
31.8
Samuel Dahl
SL Benfica • 23 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.6M
31.5
Tom Rothe
1.FC Union Berlin • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.0M
31.5
Cuiabano
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
30.9
Niccolò Fortini
ACF Fiorentina • 20 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
30.9
Jaouen Hadjam
BSC Young Boys • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
30.6
Kassoum Ouattara
AS Monaco • 21 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.9M
30.4
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)
Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 107.14×. That means Nuno Mendes is valued 107.14× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, who is 22 years old, with a 85.71× PPVE. Third is Álvaro Carreras of Real Madrid, who is 23 years old with a 85.71× 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 107.14× means the player is worth 10614% 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 | Nuno Mendes Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €75.0M | €700K | 107.14× |
| #2 | Alejandro Balde FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €700K | 85.71× |
| #3 | Álvaro Carreras Real Madrid | 23 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €700K | 85.71× |
| #4 | Destiny Udogie Tottenham Hotspur | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #5 | Milos Kerkez Liverpool FC | 22 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #6 | Nico O'Reilly Manchester City | 21 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €700K | 57.14× |
| #7 | Nathaniel Brown Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €700K | 50.00× |
| #8 | Lewis Hall Newcastle United | 21 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €700K | 45.71× |
| #9 | Patrick Dorgu Manchester United | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €700K | 42.86× |
| #10 | Matteo Ruggeri Atlético de Madrid | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #11 | Victor Kristiansen Leicester City | 23 | 21-23 | €14.0M | €700K | 20.00× |
| #12 | Niccolò Fortini ACF Fiorentina | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €600K | 16.67× |
| #13 | Samuel Iling-Junior West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #14 | Hugo Bueno Wolverhampton Wanderers | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #15 | Álex Valle Como 1907 | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #16 | Tom Rothe 1.FC Union Berlin | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #17 | Oliver Scarles West Ham United | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €600K | 13.33× |
| #18 | Samuel Dahl SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €700K | 12.86× |
| #19 | Kassoum Ouattara AS Monaco | 21 | 21-23 | €9.0M | €700K | 12.86× |
| #20 | Julio Soler AFC Bournemouth | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
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)
Metalist Kharkiv's Kyrylo Digtyar at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means José Neto is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is SL Benfica B's José Neto, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Vinicius Lira of Santos FC, who is 18 years old with a +44% 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Kyrylo Digtyar Metalist Kharkiv | 18 | 8 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #2 | José Neto SL Benfica B | 18 | 8 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #3 | Vinicius Lira Santos FC | 18 | 8 | €700K | €1.3M | +44% |
| #4 | Yoan Pereira FC Porto U19 | 18 | 8 | €700K | €1.3M | +44% |
| #5 | Pedro Guimaraes Orange County SC | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #6 | Ante Utrobicic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #7 | Tiago Parente SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #8 | Martim Cunha FC Porto B | 19 | 7 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #9 | Vladimir Galvez Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero | 19 | 7 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
| #10 | Diego León Manchester United | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #11 | Juan Morán CD Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba | 19 | 7 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #12 | Nahuel Leivas Montevideo City Torque | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #13 | Souza Tottenham Hotspur | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #14 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #15 | Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #16 | Mikhail Ryadno CSKA Moscow | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #17 | Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #18 | Niko Sepic NK Istra 1961 | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #19 | Rodrigo Dias Sporting CP B | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #20 | Joe Johnson Luton Town | 20 | 6 | €275K | €425K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
SL Benfica B's José Neto has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means José Neto has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Orange County SC's Pedro Guimaraes with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Kyrylo Digtyar of Metalist Kharkiv 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 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | José Neto SL Benfica B | €3.7M | €3.2M-4.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Pedro Guimaraes Orange County SC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Kyrylo Digtyar Metalist Kharkiv | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Vinicius Lira Santos FC | €864K | €745K-984K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Yoan Pereira FC Porto U19 | €864K | €745K-984K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Nahuel Leivas Montevideo City Torque | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Vladimir Galvez Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero | €417K | €359K-474K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Juan Morán CD Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Ante Utrobicic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Tiago Parente SL Benfica B | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Diego León Manchester United | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Souza Tottenham Hotspur | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Martim Cunha FC Porto B | €476K | €411K-542K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Nico O'Reilly Manchester City | €45.9M | €39.6M-52.2M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #16 | Lewis Hall Newcastle United | €36.7M | €31.7M-41.8M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #17 | Niko Sepic NK Istra 1961 | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Rodrigo Dias Sporting CP B | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Serif Nhaga Leixões SC | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Oliver Scarles West Ham United | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
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 left-back 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)
NK Lokomotiva Zagreb's Ante Utrobicic in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-9.3%. That means Niccolò Fortini captures 6.8% of total market value while representing only 16.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Orange County SC's Pedro Guimaraes with a +-9.3% ASC (6.8% value share vs 16.1% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Kyrylo Digtyar of Metalist Kharkiv with a +-9.3% ASC (6.8% value vs 16.1% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-9.3% ASC means the player captures -9.3% 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 | Ante Utrobicic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #2 | Pedro Guimaraes Orange County SC | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #3 | Kyrylo Digtyar Metalist Kharkiv | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #4 | Niko Sepic NK Istra 1961 | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #5 | Souza Tottenham Hotspur | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #6 | Rodrigo Dias Sporting CP B | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #7 | Joe Johnson Luton Town | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #8 | João Almeida Coritiba Foot Ball Club | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #9 | Tiago Parente SL Benfica B | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #10 | Serif Nhaga Leixões SC | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #11 | Martim Cunha FC Porto B | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #12 | Vladimir Galvez Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #13 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #14 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #15 | Abdoul Ayinde Jong KAA Gent | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #16 | Mahamadou Nagida Stade Rennais FC | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #17 | Kaio Henrique FC Porto B | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #18 | José Neto SL Benfica B | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #19 | Vinicius Lira Santos FC | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
| #20 | Diego León Manchester United | U21 | 6.8% | 16.1% | -9.3% |
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: 14 immediate targets, 172 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 €375K. 0 undervalued, 22 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Patrick Dorgu Manchester United | €30.0M | €700K | -1.25 | Good Value |
Lewis Hall Newcastle United | €32.0M | €700K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ilya Rozhkov Rubin Kazan | €5.0M | €700K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Ante Utrobicic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | €250K | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Niko Sepic NK Istra 1961 | €250K | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Serif Nhaga Leixões SC | €250K | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Nathaniel Brown Eintracht Frankfurt | €35.0M | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Mario Mitaj Al-Ittihad Club | €5.5M | €700K | -0.63 | Good Value |
Souza Tottenham Hotspur | €5.0M | €700K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Mats Rots Twente Enschede FC | €5.0M | €700K | -0.60 | Good Value |
Joe Johnson Luton Town | €275K | €700K | -0.56 | Good Value |
Pedro Guimaraes Orange County SC | €300K | €700K | -0.50 | Good Value |
Lukas Larsen FC Emmen | €300K | €700K | -0.50 | Good Value |
Nahuel Leivas Montevideo City Torque | €300K | €700K | -0.50 | Good Value |
Luca Netz Borussia Mönchengladbach | €6.0M | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Aaron Zehnter VfL Wolfsburg | €6.0M | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Pedro Henrique Shakhtar Donetsk | €6.0M | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Vladimir Galvez Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero | €350K | €700K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | €350K | €700K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Lukas Ullrich Borussia Mönchengladbach | €7.0M | €700K | -0.25 | Fair Value |