Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Eredivisie
50 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Eredivisie (Sep 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.
Youri Baas
Ajax Amsterdam • 23 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.4M
74.0
Yarek Gasiorowski
PSV Eindhoven • 21 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.3M
72.1
Wouter Goes
AZ Alkmaar • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.2M
70.1
Ryan Flamingo
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.6M
69.5
Ruud Nijstad
FC Twente Enschede • 18 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.6M
60.2
Ahmetcan Kaplan
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.8M
57.1
Dies Janse
FC Groningen • 20 years old
€5.6M
€6.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.2M
55.3
Stav Lemkin
FC Twente Enschede • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.8M
55.2
Marvin Young
Sparta Rotterdam • 20 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
52.0
Maas Willemsen
SC Heerenveen • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
51.5
Thijmen Blokzijl
FC Groningen • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.4
Aaron Bouwman
Ajax Amsterdam • 19 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
47.2
Adamo Nagalo
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€2.4M
€2.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
41.9
Malcolm Jeng
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
37.0
Anselmo García MacNulty
PEC Zwolle • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
34.0
Casper Widell
Excelsior Rotterdam • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
34.0
Max Bruns
FC Twente Enschede • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
34.0
Deveron Fonville
NEC Nijmegen • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
34.0
Nikolai Hopland
SC Heerenveen • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.7
Rion Ichihara
AZ Alkmaar • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.4
If you were Eredivisie's sporting director, who would you sign?
Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.
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 20 clubs with €143.0M 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 (38 players, 76% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €114.2M, averaging €3.0M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (12 players)
21-23 Years (38 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 5 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €77.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 6% of the Eredivisie CB pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs
Among 20 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 6 Young Centre-Backs worth €36.1M (averaging €6.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 68% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
PSV Eindhoven (6 Young Centre-Backs)
Ajax Amsterdam (3 Young Centre-Backs)
AZ Alkmaar (5 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Twente Enschede (4 Young Centre-Backs)
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)
FC Twente Enschede's Ruud Nijstad at 18 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 20.00×. That means Youri Baas is valued 20.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Ajax Amsterdam's Youri Baas, who is 23 years old, with a 20.00× PPVE. Third is Yarek Gasiorowski of PSV Eindhoven, who is 21 years old with a 18.00× 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 20.00× means the player is worth 1900% 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 | Ruud Nijstad FC Twente Enschede | 18 | U21 | €10.0M | €500K | 20.00× |
| #2 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.0M | 20.00× |
| #3 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.0M | 18.00× |
| #4 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.0M | 15.00× |
| #5 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €14.0M | €1.0M | 14.00× |
| #6 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | U21 | €6.5M | €500K | 13.00× |
| #7 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €500K | 10.00× |
| #8 | Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00× |
| #9 | Aaron Bouwman Ajax Amsterdam | 19 | U21 | €3.5M | €500K | 7.00× |
| #10 | Stav Lemkin FC Twente Enschede | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.0M | 6.00× |
| #11 | Maas Willemsen SC Heerenveen | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #12 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #13 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €500K | 3.00× |
| #14 | Adamo Nagalo PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €2.8M | €1.0M | 2.80× |
| #15 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #16 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #17 | Max Bruns FC Twente Enschede | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #18 | Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #19 | Deveron Fonville NEC Nijmegen | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #20 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
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)
AZ Alkmaar's Andrea Natali at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +52%. That means Ruud Nijstad is projected to appreciate 52% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Twente Enschede's Ruud Nijstad, who is 18 years old, with a +52% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Marvyn Muzungu of Ajax Amsterdam, who is 18 years old with a +52% RPP (8 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 52% RPP means the player is expected to gain 52% 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 | Andrea Natali AZ Alkmaar | 18 | 8 | €400K | €826K | +52% |
| #2 | Ruud Nijstad FC Twente Enschede | 18 | 8 | €10.0M | €20.7M | +52% |
| #3 | Marvyn Muzungu Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €400K | €826K | +52% |
| #4 | Michael Bresser PSV Eindhoven | 19 | 7 | €350K | €673K | +48% |
| #5 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | 19 | 7 | €300K | €576K | +48% |
| #6 | Wessel Kuhn PSV Eindhoven | 19 | 7 | €500K | €961K | +48% |
| #7 | Aaron Bouwman Ajax Amsterdam | 19 | 7 | €3.5M | €6.7M | +48% |
| #8 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.7M | +44% |
| #9 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €6.5M | €11.6M | +44% |
| #10 | Juliën Mesbahi FC Twente Enschede | 20 | 6 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #11 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #12 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #13 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #14 | Maxim Mariani FC Groningen | 21 | 5 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #15 | Thijmen Blokzijl FC Groningen | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #16 | Emmanuel van de Blaak PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 5 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #17 | Nick Verschuren FC Volendam | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #18 | Yarek Gasiorowski PSV Eindhoven | 21 | 5 | €18.0M | €29.9M | +40% |
| #19 | Miodrag Pivaš Willem II Tilburg | 21 | 5 | €250K | €415K | +40% |
| #20 | Wessel Kooy FC Utrecht | 21 | 5 | €350K | €582K | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
AZ Alkmaar's Andrea Natali has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 61.2. That means Andrea Natali has 16% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Ajax Amsterdam's Marvyn Muzungu with a 61.2 RAU (16% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Ruud Nijstad of FC Twente Enschede with a 61.2 RAU (16% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 61.2 means the upside is 61.2× 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 | Andrea Natali AZ Alkmaar | €466K | €412K-519K | +16% | 61.2 |
| #2 | Marvyn Muzungu Ajax Amsterdam | €466K | €412K-519K | +16% | 61.2 |
| #3 | Ruud Nijstad FC Twente Enschede | €11.6M | €10.3M-13.0M | +16% | 61.2 |
| #4 | Michael Bresser PSV Eindhoven | €386K | €341K-430K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #5 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.8M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #6 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | €5.5M | €4.9M-6.1M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #7 | Wessel Kuhn PSV Eindhoven | €551K | €488K-615K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #8 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | €331K | €293K-369K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #9 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | €165K | €146K-184K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #10 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | €7.2M | €6.3M-8.0M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #11 | Aaron Bouwman Ajax Amsterdam | €3.9M | €3.4M-4.3M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #12 | Juliën Mesbahi FC Twente Enschede | €221K | €195K-246K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #13 | Lewis Schouten Excelsior Rotterdam | €710K | €639K-781K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #14 | Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | €304K | €274K-335K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #15 | Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | €406K | €365K-446K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #16 | Nikolai Hopland SC Heerenveen | €1.5M | €1.4M-1.7M | +1% | 7.0 |
| #17 | Timo Zaal SC Heerenveen | €254K | €228K-279K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #18 | Justin Hubner Fortuna Sittardia Combinatie | €1.0M | €913K-1.1M | +1% | 7.0 |
| #19 | Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | €15.2M | €13.7M-16.7M | +1% | 7.0 |
| #20 | Maxim Dekker AZ Alkmaar | €659K | €593K-725K | +1% | 7.0 |
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)
AZ Alkmaar's Billy van Duijl in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-3.9%. That means Ruud Nijstad captures 20.1% of total market value while representing only 24.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Andrea Natali with a +-3.9% ASC (20.1% value share vs 24.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Michael Bresser of PSV Eindhoven with a +-3.9% ASC (20.1% value vs 24.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-3.9% ASC means the player captures -3.9% 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 | Billy van Duijl AZ Alkmaar | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #2 | Andrea Natali AZ Alkmaar | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #3 | Michael Bresser PSV Eindhoven | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #4 | Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #5 | Ruud Nijstad FC Twente Enschede | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #6 | Marvyn Muzungu Ajax Amsterdam | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #7 | Dies Janse FC Groningen | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #8 | Sven Bouland FC Groningen | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #9 | Juliën Mesbahi FC Twente Enschede | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #10 | Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #11 | Wessel Kuhn PSV Eindhoven | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #12 | Aaron Bouwman Ajax Amsterdam | U21 | 20.1% | 24.0% | -3.9% |
| #13 | Malcolm Jeng Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #14 | Youri Baas Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #15 | Rio Hillen NAC Breda | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #16 | Nigel Lonwijk Fortuna Sittardia Combinatie | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #17 | Julius Dirksen Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #18 | Ryan Flamingo PSV Eindhoven | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #19 | Casper Widell Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
| #20 | Max Bruns FC Twente Enschede | 21-23 | 79.9% | 76.0% | +3.9% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 9 standard acquisitions, 38 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
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 €700K. 0 undervalued, 5 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sven Bouland FC Groningen | €150K | €1.0M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Juliën Mesbahi FC Twente Enschede | €200K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Wouter Goes AZ Alkmaar | €15.0M | €1.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Maxim Mariani FC Groningen | €125K | €1.0M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Jens Mathijsen Willem II Tilburg | €300K | €1.0M | -0.50 | Good Value |
Timo Zaal SC Heerenveen | €250K | €1.0M | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Joshua Mukeh FC Utrecht | €250K | €1.0M | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Miodrag Pivaš Willem II Tilburg | €250K | €1.0M | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Giovanni van Zwam Go Ahead Eagles | €300K | €1.0M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Stan Henderikx Excelsior Rotterdam | €350K | €1.0M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Floris Smand SC Cambuur Leeuwarden | €350K | €1.0M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Wessel Kooy FC Utrecht | €350K | €1.0M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Stijn Bultman Heracles Almelo | €350K | €1.0M | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Damian van der Haar PEC Zwolle | €400K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Finn Stam FC Groningen | €450K | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Devon Koswal SC Telstar | €450K | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Marvin Young Sparta Rotterdam | €5.0M | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Emmanuel van de Blaak PSV Eindhoven | €500K | €1.0M | -0.26 | Fair Value |
Michael Bresser PSV Eindhoven | €350K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Rio Hillen NAC Breda | €600K | €1.0M | -0.17 | Fair Value |
Market Overview: Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 50 Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 20 clubs with a combined market value of €143.0M. The average market value for Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs is €2.9M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Eredivisie is Youri Baas, worth €20.0M and playing for Ajax Amsterdam at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €15.4M in market value, including Yarek Gasiorowski and Wouter Goes.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Ruud Nijstad (18 years, FC Twente Enschede, €10.0M), while the oldest is Youri Baas (23 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €20.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 30 Young Centre-Backs (60%) 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 Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
How We Rank Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young centre-backs, 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 CB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Eredivisie young centre-backs, 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 centre-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. 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.
CB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
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 28: +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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young centre-backs
• 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 Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season
Who are the most valuable Young Centre-Backs in the Eredivisie in 2025-26?
The most valuable young centre-back in the Eredivisie in 2025-26 is Youri Baas, who is worth €20.0M and plays for Ajax Amsterdam. The second most valuable is Yarek Gasiorowski (€18.0M, PSV Eindhoven), followed by Wouter Goes (€15.0M, AZ Alkmaar). Our database tracks 50 Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.
How are Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs ranked?
Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Centre-Backs. 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 Centre-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young centre-back from the Eredivisie?
Transfer fees for Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young centre-back Youri Baas (market value: €20.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €16.0M to €28.0M 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 Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Eredivisie Young Centre-Backs 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-defenders have ±10% 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 centre-back data come from?
Our Eredivisie young centre-back 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 for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.