Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Championship
13 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Championship (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Championship Young Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 13 Championship Young Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 9 clubs with a combined market value of €21.3M. The average market value for Championship Young Centre-Backs was €1.6M, with the average age at 21.5 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Championship was Nathan Wood, worth €4.0M and played for Southampton FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €3.0M in market value, including Joshua Quarshie and Ashley Phillips.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Dylan Smith (19 years, Ross County FC, €250K), while the oldest was Nathan Wood (23 years, Southampton FC, €4.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 13 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 9 clubs with €21.3M 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 (10 players, 77% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €17.6M, averaging €1.8M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Centre-Backs (15% of players) control €8.0M
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 9 Championship clubs, Southampton FC leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €8.0M (averaging €4.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Southampton FC (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Stoke City (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Watford FC (3 Young Centre-Backs)
Millwall FC (1 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.
Nathan Wood
Southampton FC • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
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
€2.4M
€2.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
40.2
Bosun Lawal
Stoke City • 22 years old
€1.9M
€2.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.3M
38.4
Caleb Taylor
Millwall FC • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
James Abankwah
Watford FC • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
33.7
Kévin Keben
Watford FC • 22 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
30.9
Kaelan Casey
Swansea City • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.0
Leon King
Ayr United FC • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
25.9
Max Alleyne
Watford FC • 20 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €688K
21.1
Ben Nelson
Leicester City • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.0
Liam Morrison
Queens Park Rangers • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €428K
17.8
Dylan Smith
Ross County FC • 19 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €298K
9.6
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)
Stoke City's Ashley Phillips at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.67×. That means Ashley Phillips is valued 4.67× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Southampton FC's Nathan Wood, who is 23 years old, with a 2.67× PPVE. Third is Joshua Quarshie of Southampton FC, who is 21 years old with a 2.67× 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 4.67× means the player is worth 367% 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 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | U21 | €2.8M | €600K | 4.67× |
| #2 | Nathan Wood Southampton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.5M | 2.67× |
| #3 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.5M | 2.67× |
| #4 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 22 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €1.5M | 1.47× |
| #5 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #6 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | 20 | U21 | €600K | €600K | 1.00× |
| #8 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.5M | 0.80× |
| #9 | Kaelan Casey Swansea City | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.67× |
| #10 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.5M | 0.53× |
| #11 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | 19 | U21 | €250K | €600K | 0.42× |
| #12 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.5M | 0.33× |
| #13 | Liam Morrison Queens Park Rangers | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.5M | 0.27× |
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 Dylan Smith is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Stoke City's Ashley Phillips, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Max Alleyne of Watford FC, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 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 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €2.8M | €4.3M | +35% |
| #3 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | 20 | 6 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #4 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #5 | Kaelan Casey Swansea City | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #6 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #7 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 22 | 4 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #8 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #9 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 22 | 4 | €2.2M | €2.9M | +25% |
| #10 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #11 | Nathan Wood Southampton FC | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.0M | +20% |
| #12 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #13 | Liam Morrison Queens Park Rangers | 23 | 3 | €400K | €497K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Ross County FC's Dylan Smith has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Dylan Smith has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Stoke City's Ashley Phillips with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Max Alleyne of Watford FC with a 46.3 RAU (15% 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 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €298K | €257K-339K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.7M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | €688K | €593K-783K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Kaelan Casey Swansea City | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Nathan Wood Southampton FC | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Liam Morrison Queens Park Rangers | €428K | €377K-480K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | €529K | €466K-593K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Leon King Ayr United FC | €847K | €745K-948K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | James Abankwah Watford FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +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)
Ross County FC's Dylan Smith in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-5.9%. That means Ashley Phillips captures 17.2% of total market value while representing only 23.1% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Watford FC's Max Alleyne with a +-5.9% ASC (17.2% value share vs 23.1% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Ashley Phillips of Stoke City with a +-5.9% ASC (17.2% value vs 23.1% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-5.9% ASC means the player captures -5.9% 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 | Dylan Smith Ross County FC | U21 | 17.2% | 23.1% | -5.9% |
| #2 | Max Alleyne Watford FC | U21 | 17.2% | 23.1% | -5.9% |
| #3 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | U21 | 17.2% | 23.1% | -5.9% |
| #4 | Nathan Wood Southampton FC | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #5 | Liam Morrison Queens Park Rangers | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #6 | Leon King Ayr United FC | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #7 | James Abankwah Watford FC | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #8 | Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #9 | Ben Nelson Leicester City | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #10 | Bosun Lawal Stoke City | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #11 | Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #12 | Kaelan Casey Swansea City | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
| #13 | Kévin Keben Watford FC | 21-23 | 82.8% | 76.9% | +5.9% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 12 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 €1.5M. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Liam Morrison Queens Park Rangers | €400K | €1.2M | -0.79 | Good Value |
Ben Nelson Leicester City | €500K | €1.2M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Leon King Ayr United FC | €800K | €1.2M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Kaelan Casey Swansea City | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Kévin Keben Watford FC | €1.2M | €1.2M | -0.21 | Fair Value |
Dylan Smith Ross County FC | €250K | €1.2M | -0.14 | Fair Value |
James Abankwah Watford FC | €1.5M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Max Alleyne Watford FC | €600K | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Caleb Taylor Millwall FC | €2.0M | €1.2M | +0.36 | Fair Value |
Bosun Lawal Stoke City | €2.2M | €1.2M | +0.50 | Above Market |
Ashley Phillips Stoke City | €2.8M | €1.2M | +0.86 | Above Market |
Nathan Wood Southampton FC | €4.0M | €1.2M | +1.79 | Premium |
Joshua Quarshie Southampton FC | €4.0M | €1.2M | +1.79 | Premium |