Best U23 Young Midfielders in the Championship
20 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Midfielders in the Championship (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Championship Young Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 20 Championship Young Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 14 clubs with a combined market value of €58.1M. The average market value for Championship Young Midfielders was €2.9M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the Championship was Isaac Price, worth €12.0M and played for West Bromwich Albion at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders averaged €8.0M in market value, including Sydie Peck and Jordan James.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young midfielder was Michael Golding (20 years, Leicester City, €2.0M), while the oldest was Liam Gibbs (23 years, Norwich City, €2.0M). Research shows Young Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 20 Young Midfielders (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 Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent 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 Championship
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Championship Young Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 14 clubs with €58.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Championship Young Midfielders
The Championship CM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (16 players, 80% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €55.2M, averaging €3.4M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (16 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Midfielders (10% of players) control €24.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 20% of the Championship CM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Championship Young Midfielders
Among 14 Championship clubs, Sheffield United leads with 4 Young Midfielders worth €17.4M (averaging €4.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 80% of tracked Young Midfielders.
Sheffield United (4 Young Midfielders)
West Bromwich Albion (1 Young Midfielders)
Leicester City (2 Young Midfielders)
Derby County (2 Young Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Isaac Price
West Bromwich Albion • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
66.8
Sydie Peck
Sheffield United • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
66.1
Jordan James
Leicester City • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.8M
57.5
Bobby Clark
Derby County • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
51.7
Andre Brooks
Sheffield United • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Oscar Fraulo
Derby County • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Jhon Solís
Birmingham City • 21 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.4
Liam Gibbs
Norwich City • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Pierre Dwomoh
Watford FC • 21 years old
€1.9M
€2.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
37.8
Michael Golding
Leicester City • 20 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.3M
36.0
Darko Gyabi
Hull City • 22 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
35.9
Oliver Arblaster
Sheffield United • 22 years old
€1.2M
€1.4M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
32.8
Alex Matos
Sheffield United • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.0
Derek Mazou-Sacko
Millwall FC • 21 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €882K
25.2
Daniel Kelly
Millwall FC • 20 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €803K
23.0
Cole McKinnon
Airdrieonians FC • 23 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
Expected: €187K
7.5
Tsoanelo Letsosa
Partick Thistle FC • 22 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
Expected: €185K
6.9
Kane Ritchie-Hosler
Dunfermline Athletic FC • 23 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €161K
5.6
Findlay Marshall
Arbroath FC • 20 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €143K
1.5
Jude Bonnar
Ayr United FC • 20 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €143K
1.5
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)
West Bromwich Albion's Isaac Price at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 5.45×. That means Isaac Price is valued 5.45× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Sheffield United's Sydie Peck, who is 21 years old, with a 5.45× PPVE. Third is Jordan James of Leicester City, who is 21 years old with a 3.64× 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 5.45× means the player is worth 445% 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 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €2.2M | 5.45× |
| #2 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €2.2M | 5.45× |
| #3 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €2.2M | 3.64× |
| #4 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
| #5 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.2M | 2.27× |
| #6 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.2M | 1.36× |
| #7 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.2M | 1.36× |
| #8 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.2M | 1.14× |
| #9 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €2.2M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | U21 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #11 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.2M | 0.91× |
| #12 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €2.2M | 0.82× |
| #13 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | 22 | 21-23 | €1.4M | €2.2M | 0.64× |
| #14 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.2M | 0.45× |
| #15 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | 21 | 21-23 | €800K | €2.2M | 0.36× |
| #16 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | 20 | U21 | €125K | €700K | 0.18× |
| #17 | Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | 20 | U21 | €125K | €700K | 0.18× |
| #18 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | 23 | 21-23 | €175K | €2.2M | 0.08× |
| #19 | Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | 22 | 21-23 | €175K | €2.2M | 0.08× |
| #20 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 21-23 | €150K | €2.2M | 0.07× |
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)
Millwall FC's Daniel Kelly at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Daniel Kelly is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Arbroath FC's Findlay Marshall, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Michael Golding of Leicester City, 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 35% RPP means the player is expected to gain 35% 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 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #2 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
| #3 | Michael Golding Leicester City | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #4 | Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
| #5 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21 | 5 | €8.0M | €11.5M | +30% |
| #6 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #7 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #8 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | 21 | 5 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #9 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21 | 5 | €2.2M | €3.2M | +30% |
| #10 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21 | 5 | €12.0M | €17.2M | +30% |
| #11 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #12 | Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | 22 | 4 | €175K | €234K | +25% |
| #13 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | 22 | 4 | €1.4M | €1.9M | +25% |
| #14 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #15 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #16 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 22 | 4 | €12.0M | €16.0M | +25% |
| #17 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #18 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | 23 | 3 | €175K | €218K | +20% |
| #19 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #20 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 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)
Arbroath FC's Findlay Marshall has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Michael Golding has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Leicester City's Michael Golding with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Jude Bonnar of Ayr United 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 46.3 means the upside is 46.3× 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 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Michael Golding Leicester City | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | €803K | €692K-913K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Bobby Clark Derby County | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | €13.2M | €11.4M-15.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Jordan James Leicester City | €8.8M | €7.6M-10.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | €882K | €760K-1.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €187K | €165K-210K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | €185K | €163K-207K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | €12.7M | €11.2M-14.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +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 midfielder 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)
Arbroath FC's Findlay Marshall in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-14.9%. That means Michael Golding captures 5.1% of total market value while representing only 20.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Millwall FC's Daniel Kelly with a +-14.9% ASC (5.1% value share vs 20.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Michael Golding of Leicester City with a +-14.9% ASC (5.1% value vs 20.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-14.9% ASC means the player captures -14.9% 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 | Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | U21 | 5.1% | 20.0% | -14.9% |
| #2 | Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | U21 | 5.1% | 20.0% | -14.9% |
| #3 | Michael Golding Leicester City | U21 | 5.1% | 20.0% | -14.9% |
| #4 | Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | U21 | 5.1% | 20.0% | -14.9% |
| #5 | Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #6 | Oscar Fraulo Derby County | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #7 | Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #8 | Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #9 | Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #10 | Darko Gyabi Hull City | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #11 | Jordan James Leicester City | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #12 | Alex Matos Sheffield United | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #13 | Bobby Clark Derby County | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #14 | Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #15 | Liam Gibbs Norwich City | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #16 | Jhon Solís Birmingham City | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #17 | Sydie Peck Sheffield United | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #18 | Andre Brooks Sheffield United | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #19 | Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
| #20 | Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | 21-23 | 94.9% | 80.0% | +14.9% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 20 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €12.0M. 1 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bobby Clark Derby County | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.75 | Undervalued |
Jordan James Leicester City | €8.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Kane Ritchie-Hosler Dunfermline Athletic FC | €150K | €2.0M | -0.97 | Good Value |
Cole McKinnon Airdrieonians FC | €175K | €2.0M | -0.96 | Good Value |
Tsoanelo Letsosa Partick Thistle FC | €175K | €2.0M | -0.96 | Good Value |
Derek Mazou-Sacko Millwall FC | €800K | €2.0M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Alex Matos Sheffield United | €1.0M | €2.0M | -0.47 | Fair Value |
Findlay Marshall Arbroath FC | €125K | €2.0M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Jude Bonnar Ayr United FC | €125K | €2.0M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Oliver Arblaster Sheffield United | €1.4M | €2.0M | -0.24 | Fair Value |
Isaac Price West Bromwich Albion | €12.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Darko Gyabi Hull City | €1.8M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Sydie Peck Sheffield United | €12.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Daniel Kelly Millwall FC | €700K | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Liam Gibbs Norwich City | €2.0M | €2.0M | +0.12 | Fair Value |
Pierre Dwomoh Watford FC | €2.2M | €2.0M | +0.24 | Fair Value |
Jhon Solís Birmingham City | €2.5M | €2.0M | +0.41 | Fair Value |
Michael Golding Leicester City | €2.0M | €2.0M | +0.69 | Above Market |
Oscar Fraulo Derby County | €3.0M | €2.0M | +0.71 | Above Market |
Andre Brooks Sheffield United | €3.0M | €2.0M | +0.71 | Above Market |