Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Eredivisie
24 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Eredivisie (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 24 Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 13 clubs with a combined market value of €75.9M. The average market value for Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs was €3.2M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Eredivisie was Ryan Flamingo, worth €17.0M and played for PSV Eindhoven at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €10.8M in market value, including Yarek Gasiorowski and Wouter Goes.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Marvin Young (20 years, Sparta Rotterdam, €4.0M), while the oldest was Ryan Flamingo (23 years, PSV Eindhoven, €17.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 24 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 Eredivisie 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 Eredivisie
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 13 clubs with €75.9M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs
The Eredivisie CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (20 players, 83% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €67.8M, averaging €3.4M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (4 players)
21-23 Years (20 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Centre-Backs (13% of players) control €45.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 8% of the Eredivisie CB pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs
Among 13 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €33.0M (averaging €16.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 83% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
PSV Eindhoven (2 Young Centre-Backs)
AZ Alkmaar (3 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Groningen (3 Young Centre-Backs)
NEC Nijmegen (2 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.
Ryan Flamingo
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€14.7M
€17.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.2M
71.7
Yarek Gasiorowski
PSV Eindhoven • 21 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.6M
69.7
Wouter Goes
AZ Alkmaar • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
66.8
Ahmetcan Kaplan
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.4M
52.9
Marvin Young
Sparta Rotterdam • 20 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
48.3
Thijmen Blokzijl
FC Groningen • 21 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
47.2
Dies Janse
FC Groningen • 20 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.0M
46.6
Max Bruns
Twente Enschede FC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Malcolm Jeng
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
36.6
Nikolai Hopland
SC Heerenveen • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
36.6
Anselmo García MacNulty
PEC Zwolle • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Stav Lemkin
Twente Enschede FC • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.2
Brayann Pereira
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.2
Casper Widell
Excelsior Rotterdam • 23 years old
€778K
€900K
+15.6%
Expected: €964K
27.9
Maxim Dekker
AZ Alkmaar • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
25.9
Hristiyan Petrov
SC Heerenveen • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Damian van der Haar
PEC Zwolle • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.0
Lewis Schouten
Excelsior Rotterdam • 22 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.2
Julius Dirksen
Go Ahead Eagles • 23 years old
€303K
€350K
+15.6%
Expected: €375K
16.2
Billy van Duijl
AZ Alkmaar • 20 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €459K
16.0
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)
PSV Eindhoven's Ryan Flamingo at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 17.00×. That means Ryan Flamingo is valued 17.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is PSV Eindhoven's Yarek Gasiorowski, who is 21 years old, with a 16.00× PPVE. Third is Wouter Goes of AZ Alkmaar, who is 22 years old with a 12.00× 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 17.00× means the player is worth 1600% 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 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €1.0M | 17.00× |
| #2 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 21-23 | €16.0M | €1.0M | 16.00× |
| #3 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.0M | 12.00× |
| #4 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #5 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.0M | 3.50× |
| #6 | Max Bruns Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #8 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #10 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | 20 | U21 | €4.0M | €3.5M | 1.14× |
| #11 | Brayann Pereira NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Stav Lemkin Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | U21 | €3.5M | €3.5M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €900K | €1.0M | 0.90× |
| #15 | Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80× |
| #16 | Hristiyan Petrov SC Heerenveen | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #17 | Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #18 | Lewis Schouten Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.0M | 0.40× |
| #19 | Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 21-23 | €350K | €1.0M | 0.35× |
| #20 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | 22 | 21-23 | €350K | €1.0M | 0.35× |
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)
FC Groningen's Dies Janse at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Marvin Young is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Sparta Rotterdam's Marvin Young, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Billy van Duijl of AZ Alkmaar, 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 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €3.5M | €5.4M | +35% |
| #2 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.2M | +35% |
| #3 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #4 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #5 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #6 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #7 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 5 | €16.0M | €23.0M | +30% |
| #8 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21 | 5 | €3.5M | €5.0M | +30% |
| #9 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | 22 | 4 | €350K | €468K | +25% |
| #10 | Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #11 | Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | 22 | 4 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #12 | Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #13 | Lewis Schouten Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #14 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 4 | €12.0M | €16.0M | +25% |
| #15 | Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 3 | €350K | €435K | +20% |
| #16 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #17 | Max Bruns Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #18 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 3 | €5.0M | €6.2M | +20% |
| #19 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 3 | €17.0M | €21.1M | +20% |
| #20 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 3 | €900K | €1.1M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Sparta Rotterdam's Marvin Young has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Marvin Young has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Groningen's Sven Bouland with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Billy van Duijl of AZ Alkmaar 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 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | €172K | €148K-196K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €4.0M | €3.5M-4.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | €3.9M | €3.3M-4.4M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | €17.6M | €15.2M-20.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Brayann Pereira NEC Nijmegen | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Hristiyan Petrov SC Heerenveen | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Stav Lemkin Twente Enschede FC | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Max Bruns Twente Enschede FC | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | €5.4M | €4.7M-6.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | €964K | €848K-1.1M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | €18.2M | €16.0M-20.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | €375K | €330K-420K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Silvinho Esajas FC Volendam | €214K | €188K-240K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | €318K | €279K-356K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | €370K | €326K-415K | +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 weak 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)
AZ Alkmaar's Billy van Duijl in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-6.1%. That means Marvin Young captures 10.6% of total market value while representing only 16.7% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Groningen's Dies Janse with a +-6.1% ASC (10.6% value share vs 16.7% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Sven Bouland of FC Groningen with a +-6.1% ASC (10.6% value vs 16.7% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-6.1% ASC means the player captures -6.1% 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 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | U21 | 10.6% | 16.7% | -6.1% |
| #2 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | U21 | 10.6% | 16.7% | -6.1% |
| #3 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | U21 | 10.6% | 16.7% | -6.1% |
| #4 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | U21 | 10.6% | 16.7% | -6.1% |
| #5 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #6 | Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #7 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #8 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #9 | Max Bruns Twente Enschede FC | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #10 | Brayann Pereira NEC Nijmegen | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #11 | Hristiyan Petrov SC Heerenveen | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #12 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #13 | Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #14 | Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #15 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #16 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #17 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #18 | Silvinho Esajas FC Volendam | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #19 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
| #20 | Stav Lemkin Twente Enschede FC | 21-23 | 89.4% | 83.3% | +6.1% |
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, 24 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 €800K. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | €5.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | €16.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Sven Bouland FC Groningen | €150K | €1.0M | -0.93 | Good Value |
Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | €400K | €1.0M | -0.86 | Good Value |
Silvinho Esajas FC Volendam | €200K | €1.0M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | €300K | €1.0M | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | €350K | €1.0M | -0.34 | Fair Value |
Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittard | €350K | €1.0M | -0.34 | Fair Value |
Lewis Schouten Excelsior Rotterdam | €400K | €1.0M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Hristiyan Petrov SC Heerenveen | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | €800K | €1.0M | -0.06 | Fair Value |
Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | €17.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | €900K | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | €12.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Dies Janse FC Groningen | €3.5M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Brayann Pereira NEC Nijmegen | €1.0M | €1.0M | +0.06 | Fair Value |
Stav Lemkin Twente Enschede FC | €1.0M | €1.0M | +0.06 | Fair Value |
Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | €4.0M | €1.0M | +0.14 | Fair Value |
Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | €1.5M | €1.0M | +0.37 | Fair Value |