Best U23 Young Players in the Eredivisie
209 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Players in the Eredivisie (Oct 2026)
208 players tracked across 24 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Mika Godts
Ajax Amsterdam • 21 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
82.6
Ricardo Pepi
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.8M
78.1
Ernest Poku
AZ Alkmaar • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.4M
76.4
Givairo Read
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 20 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
76.0
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar • 20 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
74.8
Youri Baas
Ajax Amsterdam • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
74.0
Paul Wanner
PSV Eindhoven • 20 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
73.2
Yarek Gasiorowski
PSV Eindhoven • 21 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
72.1
Luciano Valente
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
72.0
Wouter Goes
AZ Alkmaar • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
70.1
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Sign up freeMika Godts
Ajax Amsterdam · 21 years old
82.6
ASI
Current Value
€35.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€28.0M - €42.7M
Ricardo Pepi
PSV Eindhoven · 23 years old
78.1
ASI
Current Value
€30.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€25.3M - €36.4M
Ernest Poku
AZ Alkmaar · 22 years old
76.4
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€21.6M - €31.1M
Givairo Read
Feyenoord Rotterdam · 20 years old
76.0
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€24.4M - €30.7M
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar · 20 years old
74.8
ASI
Current Value
€25.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€23.4M - €31.7M
Youri Baas
Ajax Amsterdam · 23 years old
74.0
ASI
Current Value
€20.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Paul Wanner
PSV Eindhoven · 20 years old
73.2
ASI
Current Value
€22.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Yarek Gasiorowski
PSV Eindhoven · 21 years old
72.1
ASI
Current Value
€18.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Luciano Valente
Feyenoord Rotterdam · 23 years old
72.0
ASI
Current Value
€18.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Wouter Goes
AZ Alkmaar · 22 years old
70.1
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: Eredivisie Young Players (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 208 Eredivisie Young Players as of October 2026, representing 24 clubs with a combined market value of €677.3M. The average market value for Eredivisie Young Players is €3.3M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young player in the Eredivisie is Mika Godts, worth €35.0M and playing for Ajax Amsterdam at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Players average €28.0M in market value, including Ricardo Pepi and Ernest Poku.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young player is Ruud Nijstad (18 years, FC Twente Enschede, €10.0M), while the oldest is Ricardo Pepi (23 years, PSV Eindhoven, €30.0M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 165 Young Players (79%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Eredivisie market for Young Players remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Eredivisie
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Eredivisie Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 24 clubs with €677.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Young Players
The Eredivisie ALL market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (159 players, 76% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €484.1M, averaging €3.0M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (49 players)
21-23 Years (159 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 21 Young Players (10% of players) control €345.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 1% of the Eredivisie ALL pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Young Players
Among 24 Eredivisie clubs, AZ Alkmaar leads with 21 Young Players worth €112.1M (averaging €5.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 66% of tracked Young Players.
AZ Alkmaar (21 Young Players)
PSV Eindhoven (13 Young Players)
Ajax Amsterdam (18 Young Players)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (13 Young Players)
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)
Ajax Amsterdam's Mika Godts at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 35.00×. That means Mika Godts is valued 35.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi, who is 23 years old, with a 30.00× PPVE. Third is Ernest Poku of AZ Alkmaar, who is 22 years old with a 25.00× 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 35.00× means the player is worth 3400% 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 | Mika Godts Ajax Amsterdam | 21 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €1.0M | 35.00x |
| #2 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00x |
| #3 | Ernest Poku AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.0M | 25.00x |
| #4 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.0M | 20.00x |
| #5 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.0M | 18.00x |
| #6 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.0M | 18.00x |
| #7 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67x |
| #8 | Givairo Read Feyenoord Rotterdam | 20 | U21 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67x |
| #9 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.0M | 15.00x |
| #10 | Paul Wanner PSV Eindhoven | 20 | U21 | €22.0M | €1.5M | 14.67x |
| #11 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €14.0M | €1.0M | 14.00x |
| #12 | Jordan Bos Feyenoord Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.0M | 12.00x |
| #13 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.0M | 12.00x |
| #14 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.0M | 10.00x |
| #15 | Ruben van Bommel PSV Eindhoven | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.0M | 10.00x |
| #16 | Kento Shiogai NEC Nijmegen | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #17 | Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #18 | Mexx Meerdink AZ Alkmaar | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #19 | Sami Ouaissa NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #20 | Esmir Bajraktarevic PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Eredivisie Young Players.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Eredivisie Young Players.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for Eredivisie Young Players.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for Eredivisie Young Players.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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Upgrade to FanIf you were Eredivisie's sporting director, who would you sign?
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How We Rank Eredivisie Young Players
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young players, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for ALL
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Eredivisie young players, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for Eredivisie young players, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Eredivisie competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
ALL Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young players
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Eredivisie Young Players, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Young Players in the Eredivisie right now?
The most valuable young player in the Eredivisie today is Mika Godts, who is worth €35.0M and plays for Ajax Amsterdam. The second most valuable is Ricardo Pepi (€30.0M, PSV Eindhoven), followed by Ernest Poku (€25.0M, AZ Alkmaar). Our database tracks 208 Eredivisie Young Players with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Eredivisie Young Players ranked?
Eredivisie Young Players are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Players. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Eredivisie competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Young Players peak?
How much does it cost to sign a top young player from the Eredivisie?
Transfer fees for Eredivisie Young Players vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young player Mika Godts (market value: €35.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €28.0M to €49.0M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Eredivisie transactions.
What is the value forecast for Eredivisie Young Players?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Eredivisie Young Players based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Eredivisie young player data come from?
Our Eredivisie young player data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Eredivisie sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.