Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Bundesliga
31 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Bundesliga (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Bundesliga Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 31 Bundesliga Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 20 clubs with a combined market value of €264.3M. The average market value for Bundesliga Young Centre-Backs is €8.5M, with the average age at 21.2 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Bundesliga is Castello Lukeba, worth €40.0M and playing for RB Leipzig at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €25.4M in market value, including Konstantinos Koulierakis and Chrislain Matsima.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Finn Jeltsch (19 years, VfB Stuttgart, €20.0M), while the oldest is Castello Lukeba (23 years, RB Leipzig, €40.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 31 Young Centre-Backs (100%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Bundesliga market for Young Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent 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 Bundesliga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Bundesliga Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 20 clubs with €264.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: Bundesliga Young Centre-Backs
The Bundesliga CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (20 players, 65% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €181.1M, averaging €9.1M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (11 players)
21-23 Years (20 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Young Centre-Backs (13% of players) control €107.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 3% of the Bundesliga CB pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Bundesliga Young Centre-Backs
Among 20 Bundesliga clubs, RB Leipzig leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €58.0M (averaging €29.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 61% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
RB Leipzig (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Augsburg (2 Young Centre-Backs)
VfL Wolfsburg (3 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.6M
86.2
Konstantinos Koulierakis
VfL Wolfsburg • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.2
Chrislain Matsima
FC Augsburg • 23 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.6M
75.2
Jarell Quansah
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €21.4M
74.0
Finn Jeltsch
VfB Stuttgart • 19 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €23.8M
71.6
El Chadaille Bitshiabu
RB Leipzig • 20 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €20.6M
70.9
Jeanuël Belocian
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.5M
69.2
Leopold Querfeld
1.FC Union Berlin • 22 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
68.1
Joane Gadou
Red Bull Salzburg • 19 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.9M
67.7
Luka Vuskovic
Hamburger SV • 19 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.3M
65.2
Nnamdi Collins
Eintracht Frankfurt • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
61.2
Max Rosenfelder
SC Freiburg • 23 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.6M
59.0
Aurèle Amenda
Eintracht Frankfurt • 22 years old
€6.5M
€7.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.9M
57.6
Aarón Anselmino
Borussia Dortmund • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.2M
57.2
Luca Jaquez
VfB Stuttgart • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
54.8
Noahkai Banks
FC Augsburg • 19 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.1M
53.0
Rav van den Berg
1.FC Köln • 21 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.0M
50.6
Anrie Chase
Red Bull Salzburg • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Jenson Seelt
VfL Wolfsburg • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.6
Jeyland Mitchell
SK Sturm Graz • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
36.6
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)
RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 6.67×. That means Castello Lukeba is valued 6.67× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is VfL Wolfsburg's Konstantinos Koulierakis, who is 22 years old, with a 4.17× PPVE. Third is Chrislain Matsima of FC Augsburg, who is 23 years old with a 3.67× 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 6.67× means the player is worth 567% 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 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €6.0M | 6.67× |
| #2 | Konstantinos Koulierakis VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €6.0M | 4.17× |
| #3 | Chrislain Matsima FC Augsburg | 23 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €6.0M | 3.67× |
| #4 | Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €6.0M | 3.33× |
| #5 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | U21 | €20.0M | €6.0M | 3.33× |
| #6 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | 20 | U21 | €18.0M | €6.0M | 3.00× |
| #7 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | U21 | €15.0M | €6.0M | 2.50× |
| #8 | Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €6.0M | 2.50× |
| #9 | Leopold Querfeld 1.FC Union Berlin | 22 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €6.0M | 2.17× |
| #10 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | U21 | €12.0M | €6.0M | 2.00× |
| #11 | Nnamdi Collins Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €6.0M | 1.67× |
| #12 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €6.0M | 1.33× |
| #13 | Max Rosenfelder SC Freiburg | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €6.0M | 1.33× |
| #14 | Aurèle Amenda Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 21-23 | €7.5M | €6.0M | 1.25× |
| #15 | Luca Jaquez VfB Stuttgart | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #16 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | U21 | €6.0M | €6.0M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Rav van den Berg 1.FC Köln | 21 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €6.0M | 0.75× |
| #18 | Anrie Chase Red Bull Salzburg | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €6.0M | 0.50× |
| #19 | Jenson Seelt VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €6.0M | 0.33× |
| #20 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €6.0M | 0.33× |
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)
Red Bull Salzburg's Joane Gadou at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Joane Gadou is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is VfL Wolfsburg's Mathys Angély, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Luka Vuskovic of Hamburger SV, 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #2 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | 19 | 7 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #3 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #4 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | 7 | €6.0M | €10.0M | +40% |
| #5 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #6 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €12.4M | +35% |
| #7 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #8 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #9 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #10 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | 20 | 6 | €18.0M | €27.8M | +35% |
| #11 | Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | 20 | 6 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #12 | Rav van den Berg 1.FC Köln | 21 | 5 | €4.5M | €6.5M | +30% |
| #13 | Jeyland Mitchell SK Sturm Graz | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #14 | Filippo Mane Borussia Dortmund | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #15 | Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 21 | 5 | €15.0M | €21.6M | +30% |
| #16 | Mohammed Tolba Without Club | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #17 | Nnamdi Collins Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 4 | €10.0M | €13.4M | +25% |
| #18 | Jenson Seelt VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #19 | Aurèle Amenda Eintracht Frankfurt | 22 | 4 | €7.5M | €10.0M | +25% |
| #20 | Elias Bakatukanda FC Blau-Weiss Linz | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
VfL Wolfsburg's Mathys Angély has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Mathys Angély has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is VfB Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Luka Vuskovic of Hamburger SV 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 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €7.1M | €6.2M-8.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €172K | €148K-196K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #10 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | €20.6M | €17.8M-23.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #11 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #12 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | €44.6M | €39.2M-49.9M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #13 | Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €16.5M | €14.3M-18.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #14 | Filippo Mane Borussia Dortmund | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #15 | Rav van den Berg 1.FC Köln | €5.0M | €4.3M-5.6M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #16 | Jeyland Mitchell SK Sturm Graz | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #17 | Mohammed Tolba Without Club | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #18 | Jamie Lawrence WSG Tirol | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Max Rosenfelder SC Freiburg | €8.6M | €7.5M-9.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #20 | Melayro Bogarde LASK | €642K | €565K-719K | +7% | 27.5 |
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 centre-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)
Red Bull Salzburg's Joane Gadou in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-4.0%. That means Finn Jeltsch captures 31.5% of total market value while representing only 35.5% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is VfL Wolfsburg's Mathys Angély with a +-4.0% ASC (31.5% value share vs 35.5% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Aarón Anselmino of Borussia Dortmund with a +-4.0% ASC (31.5% value vs 35.5% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-4.0% ASC means the player captures -4.0% 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 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #2 | Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #3 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #4 | Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #5 | Fabio Chiarodia Borussia Mönchengladbach | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #6 | El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #7 | Bruno Ogbus SC Freiburg | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #8 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #9 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #10 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #11 | Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | U21 | 31.5% | 35.5% | -4.0% |
| #12 | João Tornich LASK | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #13 | Melayro Bogarde LASK | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #14 | Jamie Lawrence WSG Tirol | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #15 | Luca Jaquez VfB Stuttgart | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #16 | Chrislain Matsima FC Augsburg | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #17 | Leopold Querfeld 1.FC Union Berlin | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #18 | Max Rosenfelder SC Freiburg | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #19 | Jenson Seelt VfL Wolfsburg | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
| #20 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 21-23 | 68.5% | 64.5% | +4.0% |
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: 5 immediate targets, 26 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, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Jeanuël Belocian Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €15.0M | €6.0M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Luca Jaquez VfB Stuttgart | €6.0M | €6.0M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Maxim Dal 1.FSV Mainz 05 | €150K | €6.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €15.0M | €6.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | €20.0M | €6.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Mohammed Tolba Without Club | €200K | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €6.0M | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Ludwig Vraa Grazer AK 1902 | €400K | €6.0M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Aurèle Amenda Eintracht Frankfurt | €7.5M | €6.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Jamie Lawrence WSG Tirol | €500K | €6.0M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Elias Bakatukanda FC Blau-Weiss Linz | €500K | €6.0M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Melayro Bogarde LASK | €600K | €6.0M | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Filippo Mane Borussia Dortmund | €600K | €6.0M | -0.07 | Fair Value |
João Tornich LASK | €700K | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mathys Angély VfL Wolfsburg | €600K | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | €8.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Chrislain Matsima FC Augsburg | €22.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Max Rosenfelder SC Freiburg | €8.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | €40.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
El Chadaille Bitshiabu RB Leipzig | €18.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
