Best U23 Young Strikers in the World
158 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Strikers in the World (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: World Young Strikers 2022-23
Our database tracked 158 World Young Strikers in the 2022-23 season, representing 150 clubs with a combined market value of €450.0M. The average market value for World Young Strikers was €2.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young striker in the World was Liam Delap, worth €35.0M and played for Chelsea FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Strikers averaged €26.2M in market value, including Emmanuel Emegha and Fábio Silva.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young striker was Hasan Ege Akdoğan (18 years, Ankara Demirspor, €400K), while the oldest was Liam Delap (23 years, Chelsea FC, €35.0M). Research shows Young Strikers typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 158 Young Strikers (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 Strikers remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 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 Strikers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 150 clubs with €450.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: World Young Strikers
The World ST market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (137 players, 87% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €399.3M, averaging €2.9M per player.
Top Young Strikers by Age Bracket
U21 Years (21 players)
21-23 Years (137 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 16 Young Strikers (10% of players) control €266.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 1% of the World ST pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: World Young Strikers
Among 150 World clubs, Chelsea FC leads with 1 Young Strikers worth €35.0M (averaging €35.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 7% of tracked Young Strikers.
Chelsea FC (1 Young Strikers)
RC Strasbourg Alsace (1 Young Strikers)
Borussia Dortmund (1 Young Strikers)
Shakhtar Donetsk (2 Young Strikers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Liam Delap
Chelsea FC • 23 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €39.0M
64.5
Emmanuel Emegha
RC Strasbourg Alsace • 23 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.0M
53.9
Fábio Silva
Borussia Dortmund • 23 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.0M
53.9
Matthis Abline
FC Nantes • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
46.1
Marcos Leonardo
Al-Hilal SFC • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
45.8
Hamza Igamane
LOSC Lille • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.3M
44.2
Jay Stansfield
Birmingham City • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.3M
43.9
Ricardo Pepi
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.1M
41.0
William Osula
Newcastle United • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
40.8
Kauã Elias
Shakhtar Donetsk • 20 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.2M
39.6
Elye Wahi
OGC Nice • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
38.4
Roberto Fernández
RCD Espanyol Barcelona • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
33.0
Tom Cannon
Sheffield United • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
30.6
Matija Frigan
Parma Calcio 1913 • 23 years old
€6.5M
€7.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.0M
30.4
Luca Meirelles
Shakhtar Donetsk • 19 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.9M
30.0
Igor Matanovic
SC Freiburg • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.5M
29.9
Romeo Vermant
Club Brugge KV • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
29.8
Matías Arezo
CA Peñarol • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
28.6
Youssoufa Moukoko
FC Copenhagen • 21 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.7M
28.0
Andréas Hountondji
FC St. Pauli • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
28.0
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)
Chelsea FC's Liam Delap at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 50.00×. That means Liam Delap is valued 50.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Borussia Dortmund's Fábio Silva, who is 23 years old, with a 40.00× PPVE. Third is Emmanuel Emegha of RC Strasbourg Alsace, 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 50.00× means the player is worth 4900% 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 | Liam Delap Chelsea FC | 23 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €700K | 50.00× |
| #2 | Fábio Silva Borussia Dortmund | 23 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €700K | 40.00× |
| #3 | Emmanuel Emegha RC Strasbourg Alsace | 23 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €700K | 40.00× |
| #4 | Matthis Abline FC Nantes | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #5 | Marcos Leonardo Al-Hilal SFC | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €700K | 28.57× |
| #6 | Jay Stansfield Birmingham City | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #7 | Hamza Igamane LOSC Lille | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €700K | 25.71× |
| #8 | William Osula Newcastle United | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #9 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €700K | 21.43× |
| #10 | Kauã Elias Shakhtar Donetsk | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €750K | 20.00× |
| #11 | Elye Wahi OGC Nice | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #12 | Roberto Fernández RCD Espanyol Barcelona | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €700K | 14.29× |
| #13 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €750K | 13.33× |
| #14 | Tom Cannon Sheffield United | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
| #15 | Romeo Vermant Club Brugge KV | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €700K | 11.43× |
| #16 | Matija Frigan Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 21-23 | €7.5M | €700K | 10.71× |
| #17 | Youssoufa Moukoko FC Copenhagen | 21 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €700K | 10.00× |
| #18 | Igor Matanovic SC Freiburg | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €700K | 10.00× |
| #19 | Jovan Milosevic SV Werder Bremen | 20 | U21 | €7.0M | €750K | 9.33× |
| #20 | Matías Arezo CA Peñarol | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €700K | 8.57× |
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)
Ankara Demirspor's Hasan Ege Akdoğan at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Hasan Ege Akdoğan 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 Francisco Silva, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Kasra Taheri of Paykan FC, who is 19 years old with a +40% 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 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 | Hasan Ege Akdoğan Ankara Demirspor | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #2 | Francisco Silva SL Benfica B | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #3 | Kasra Taheri Paykan FC | 19 | 7 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #4 | Samy Jr. Merheg SC Braga | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #5 | Kayke Fortaleza Esporte Clube | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #6 | Julián Vignolo FC Toulouse | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #7 | Mustafa Hekimoğlu Besiktas JK | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #8 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €16.6M | +40% |
| #9 | Zepiqueno Redmond Aston Villa U21 | 19 | 7 | €750K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #10 | Agustín Ruberto CA River Plate | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #11 | Leo Rimac FC Koper | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #12 | Jerónimo Dómina Cádiz CF | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #13 | Kauã Elias Shakhtar Donetsk | 20 | 6 | €15.0M | €23.2M | +35% |
| #14 | Yojan Garcés CD América de Cali | 20 | 6 | €450K | €696K | +35% |
| #15 | Jovan Mijatovic Eintracht Braunschweig | 20 | 6 | €2.2M | €3.4M | +35% |
| #16 | Luka Mlakar NK Maribor | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #17 | Jovan Milosevic SV Werder Bremen | 20 | 6 | €7.0M | €10.8M | +35% |
| #18 | Medin Gashi HNK Gorica | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #19 | Michael Bermúdez Orense SC | 20 | 6 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #20 | Denis Bokov Spartak Kostroma | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +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 Francisco Silva has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Francisco Silva has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Ankara Demirspor's Hasan Ege Akdoğan with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Kasra Taheri of Paykan FC with a 58.0 RAU (19% 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 | Francisco Silva SL Benfica B | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Hasan Ege Akdoğan Ankara Demirspor | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Kasra Taheri Paykan FC | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Samy Jr. Merheg SC Braga | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Kayke Fortaleza Esporte Clube | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Julián Vignolo FC Toulouse | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Mustafa Hekimoğlu Besiktas JK | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Luca Meirelles Shakhtar Donetsk | €11.9M | €10.3M-13.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Zepiqueno Redmond Aston Villa U21 | €893K | €770K-1.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Agustín Ruberto CA River Plate | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #11 | Leo Rimac FC Koper | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #12 | Jerónimo Dómina Cádiz CF | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #13 | Yojan Garcés CD América de Cali | €516K | €445K-587K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #14 | Luka Mlakar NK Maribor | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #15 | Kauã Elias Shakhtar Donetsk | €17.2M | €14.8M-19.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #16 | Medin Gashi HNK Gorica | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #17 | Michael Bermúdez Orense SC | €688K | €593K-783K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #18 | Denis Bokov Spartak Kostroma | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #19 | Bobby Wales Huddersfield Town | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Jovan Mijatovic Eintracht Braunschweig | €2.5M | €2.2M-2.9M | +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 striker position shows weak 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)
CA Temperley's Marcos Echeverría in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +2.0%. That means Liam Delap captures 88.7% of total market value while representing only 86.7% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Montevideo City Torque's Nahuel Da Silva with a +2.0% ASC (88.7% value share vs 86.7% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Igor Krasnopir of Polissya Zhytomyr with a +2.0% ASC (88.7% value vs 86.7% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +2.0% ASC means the player captures 2.0% 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 | Marcos Echeverría CA Temperley | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #2 | Nahuel Da Silva Montevideo City Torque | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #3 | Igor Krasnopir Polissya Zhytomyr | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #4 | Mustapha Isah Kristiansund BK | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #5 | Midana Cassamá Dibba SCC | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #6 | Vadym Sydun Epicentr Kamyanets-Podilskyi | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #7 | Isaac Hellas Verona | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #8 | Serigne Faye FC Rouen 1899 | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #9 | Ariath Piol Real Salt Lake City | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #10 | Baboucarr Faal Rukh Lviv | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #11 | Adama Bojang Stade Reims | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #12 | Maelo Rentería Monagas SC | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #13 | Ignacio Rodríguez CA Atlanta | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #14 | Franco Rami CD Ñublense | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #15 | Jacob Murrell D.C. United | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #16 | Tomás Nasif Club Atlético Platense | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #17 | Gustavo Ribeiro FC Pantanal (MS) | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #18 | Youssoufa Moukoko FC Copenhagen | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #19 | Fábio Silva Borussia Dortmund | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
| #20 | Giannis Niarchos Wisla Plock | 21-23 | 88.7% | 86.7% | +2.0% |
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: 9 immediate targets, 149 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 €450K. 0 undervalued, 24 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
William Bøving 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Daniel Karlsbakk Sarpsborg 08 FF | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Keke Topp SV Werder Bremen | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Andréas Hountondji FC St. Pauli | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Iker Bravo UD Las Palmas | €5.0M | €700K | -0.67 | Good Value |
Ignacio Rodríguez CA Atlanta | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Franco Rami CD Ñublense | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Kieran Offord Linfield FC | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Renan Viana Club Athletico Paranaense | €225K | €700K | -0.58 | Good Value |
Marcos Echeverría CA Temperley | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Nahuel Da Silva Montevideo City Torque | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Vadym Sydun Epicentr Kamyanets-Podilskyi | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Maelo Rentería Monagas SC | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Frederik Heiselberg Hilleröd Fodbold | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Zach Robinson Motherwell FC | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Sergio Carrasco CD Cobresal | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Arquímides Ordóñez Loudoun United FC | €250K | €700K | -0.54 | Good Value |
William Osula Newcastle United | €15.0M | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | €15.0M | €700K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Midana Cassamá Dibba SCC | €300K | €700K | -0.46 | Fair Value |