Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Championship
19 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Young Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 19 Championship Young Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 13 clubs with a combined market value of €21.5M. The average market value for Championship Young Centre-Backs was €1.1M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Championship was Joshua Quarshie, worth €4.0M and played for Southampton FC at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €2.7M in market value, including Ashley Phillips and Bosun Lawal.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Joachim Kayi Sanda (19 years, Southampton FC, €1.2M), while the oldest was Bosun Lawal (23 years, Stoke City, €2.5M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 19 Young Centre-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 Championship market for Young Centre-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2024-25 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 Championship
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Championship Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 13 clubs with €21.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Young Centre-Backs
The Championship CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (15 players, 79% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €16.9M, averaging €1.1M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (15 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €7.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Championship CB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Young Centre-Backs
Among 13 Championship clubs, Stoke City leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €5.5M (averaging €2.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 84% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Stoke City (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Southampton FC (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Watford FC (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Millwall FC (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Joshua Quarshie
Southampton FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Ashley Phillips
Stoke City • 20 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
41.1
Bosun Lawal
Stoke City • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Caleb Taylor
Millwall FC • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Odeluga Offiah
Preston North End • 23 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.6
Kévin Keben
Watford FC • 22 years old
€1.4M
€1.6M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
34.5
James Abankwah
Watford FC • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
33.7
Joachim Kayi Sanda
Southampton FC • 19 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
29.1
Christ Makosso
Oxford United • 22 years old
€735K
€850K
+15.6%
Expected: €900K
26.6
Luke Chambers
Charlton Athletic • 21 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €882K
25.2
Ben Nelson
Leicester City • 22 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €635K
22.3
Leon King
Ayr United FC • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.0
Dylan Smith
Ross County FC • 19 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €298K
9.6
Zach Mitchell
Charlton Athletic • 21 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €221K
8.0
Ewan Otoo
Dunfermline Athletic FC • 23 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €161K
5.6
Charlie McArthur
Airdrieonians FC • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €165K
4.4
Kris Moore
Greenock Morton FC • 22 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €132K
2.8
Nurudeen Abdulai
Dunfermline Athletic FC • 21 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €138K
2.1
John Tod
Dunfermline Athletic FC • 19 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €149K
0.9
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)
Southampton FC's Joshua Quarshie at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.00×. That means Joshua Quarshie is valued 5.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Stoke City's Bosun Lawal, who is 23 years old, with a 3.13× PPVE. Third is Caleb Taylor of Millwall FC, who is 23 years old with a 2.50× 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 5.00× means the player is worth 400% 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 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €800K | 5.00× |
| #2 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €800K | 3.13× |
| #3 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €800K | 2.50× |
| #4 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | U21 | €3.0M | €1.2M | 2.50× |
| #5 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €800K | 2.25× |
| #6 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.6M | €800K | 2.00× |
| #7 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €800K | 1.88× |
| #8 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | 22 | 21-23 | €850K | €800K | 1.06× |
| #9 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | 21 | 21-23 | €800K | €800K | 1.00× |
| #10 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | 19 | U21 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €800K | 0.75× |
| #12 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €800K | 0.63× |
| #13 | Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | 21 | 21-23 | €200K | €800K | 0.25× |
| #14 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | U21 | €250K | €1.2M | 0.21× |
| #15 | Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 21-23 | €150K | €800K | 0.19× |
| #16 | Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €800K | 0.19× |
| #17 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21 | 21-23 | €125K | €800K | 0.16× |
| #18 | Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €125K | €800K | 0.16× |
| #19 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 19 | U21 | €125K | €1.2M | 0.10× |
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)
Ross County FC's Dylan Smith at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Joachim Kayi Sanda is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Dunfermline Athletic FC's John Tod, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Joachim Kayi Sanda of Southampton 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 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 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | 7 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #2 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | 19 | 7 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #3 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | 19 | 7 | €1.2M | €2.0M | +40% |
| #4 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #5 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21 | 5 | €125K | €180K | +30% |
| #6 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #7 | Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €216K | +30% |
| #8 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #9 | Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #10 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #11 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 22 | 4 | €600K | €802K | +25% |
| #12 | Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | 22 | 4 | €125K | €167K | +25% |
| #13 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | 22 | 4 | €850K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #14 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 22 | 4 | €1.6M | €2.1M | +25% |
| #15 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #16 | Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #17 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #18 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
| #19 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Southampton FC's Joachim Kayi Sanda has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Joachim Kayi Sanda has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Ross County FC's Dylan Smith with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is John Tod of Dunfermline Athletic 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 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 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | €149K | €128K-169K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €3.4M | €3.0M-3.9M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | €165K | €143K-188K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | €138K | €119K-157K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | €882K | €760K-1.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | €635K | €559K-711K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | €900K | €792K-1.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Leon King Ayr United FC | €529K | €466K-593K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | €132K | €116K-148K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | James Abankwah Watford FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
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 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)
Dunfermline Athletic FC's Nurudeen Abdulai in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-0.3%. That means Joshua Quarshie captures 78.7% of total market value while representing only 78.9% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Oxford United's Christ Makosso with a +-0.3% ASC (78.7% value share vs 78.9% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Odeluga Offiah of Preston North End with a +-0.3% ASC (78.7% value vs 78.9% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-0.3% ASC means the player captures -0.3% 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 | Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #2 | Christ Makosso Oxford United | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #3 | Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #4 | Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #5 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #6 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #7 | Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #8 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #9 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #10 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #11 | Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #12 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #13 | Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #14 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #15 | Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | 21-23 | 78.7% | 78.9% | -0.3% |
| #16 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | U21 | 21.3% | 21.1% | +0.3% |
| #17 | John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | U21 | 21.3% | 21.1% | +0.3% |
| #18 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | U21 | 21.3% | 21.1% | +0.3% |
| #19 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | U21 | 21.3% | 21.1% | +0.3% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 16 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 €1.2M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nurudeen Abdulai Dunfermline Athletic FC | €125K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Kris Moore Greenock Morton FC | €125K | €800K | -0.41 | Fair Value |
Ewan Otoo Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Charlie McArthur Airdrieonians FC | €150K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
John Tod Dunfermline Athletic FC | €125K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Zach Mitchell Charlton Athletic | €200K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €250K | €800K | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Leon King Ayr United FC | €500K | €800K | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Ben Nelson Leicester City | €600K | €800K | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Luke Chambers Charlton Athletic | €800K | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joachim Kayi Sanda Southampton FC | €1.2M | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Christ Makosso Oxford United | €850K | €800K | +0.03 | Fair Value |
James Abankwah Watford FC | €1.5M | €800K | +0.42 | Fair Value |
Kévin Keben Watford FC | €1.6M | €800K | +0.48 | Fair Value |
Odeluga Offiah Preston North End | €1.8M | €800K | +0.61 | Above Market |
Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €3.0M | €800K | +0.65 | Above Market |
Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | €2.0M | €800K | +0.73 | Above Market |
Bosun Lawal Stoke City | €2.5M | €800K | +1.03 | Above Market |
Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | €4.0M | €800K | +1.94 | Premium |