Best U23 Young Midfielders in the Eredivisie
17 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Eredivisie Young Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 17 Eredivisie Young Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €76.8M. The average market value for Eredivisie Young Midfielders is €4.5M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the Eredivisie is Kees Smit, worth €22.0M and playing for AZ Alkmaar at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders average €11.6M in market value, including Luciano Valente and Gjivai Zechiël.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young midfielder is Kees Smit (20 years, AZ Alkmaar, €22.0M), while the oldest is Marcus Linday (23 years, SC Heerenveen, €3.5M). Research shows Young Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 17 Young Midfielders (100%) 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 Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €76.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Young Midfielders
The Eredivisie CM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (14 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €53.0M, averaging €3.8M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (14 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Midfielders (12% of players) control €40.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 12% of the Eredivisie CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Young Midfielders
Among 12 Eredivisie clubs, AZ Alkmaar leads with 1 Young Midfielders worth €22.0M (averaging €22.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 88% of tracked Young Midfielders.
AZ Alkmaar (1 Young Midfielders)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (1 Young Midfielders)
FC Utrecht (2 Young Midfielders)
Ajax Amsterdam (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.
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar • 20 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.2M
73.1
Luciano Valente
Feyenoord Rotterdam • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
71.8
Gjivai Zechiël
FC Utrecht • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.4M
56.4
Kodai Sano
NEC Nijmegen • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
54.5
Youri Regeer
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Marcus Linday
SC Heerenveen • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.4
Kian Fitz-Jim
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
47.8
Zidane Iqbal
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Edouard Michut
Fortuna Sittard • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Dave Kwakman
FC Volendam • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.1
Tika de Jonge
FC Groningen • 23 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
32.5
Tygo Land
FC Groningen • 20 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.5
Daouda Weidmann
Twente Enschede FC • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.2
Irakli Yegoian
Excelsior Rotterdam • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Lennard Hartjes
Excelsior Rotterdam • 23 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €482K
19.3
Robbin Weijenberg
Go Ahead Eagles • 21 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €276K
10.8
Travis Hernes
FC Groningen • 20 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €287K
10.2
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)
AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 14.67×. That means Kees Smit is valued 14.67× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Feyenoord Rotterdam's Luciano Valente, who is 22 years old, with a 6.00× PPVE. Third is Gjivai Zechiël of FC Utrecht, who is 22 years old with a 2.33× 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 14.67× means the player is worth 1367% 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 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €22.0M | €1.5M | 14.67× |
| #2 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €3.0M | 6.00× |
| #3 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €3.0M | 2.33× |
| #4 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00× |
| #5 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €3.0M | 1.67× |
| #6 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €3.0M | 1.17× |
| #7 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €3.0M | 1.17× |
| #8 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.50× |
| #11 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.50× |
| #12 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €3.0M | 0.43× |
| #13 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €3.0M | 0.33× |
| #14 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €3.0M | 0.33× |
| #15 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | 20 | U21 | €250K | €1.5M | 0.17× |
| #16 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €450K | €3.0M | 0.15× |
| #17 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21 | 21-23 | €250K | €3.0M | 0.08× |
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 Tygo Land at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Kees Smit is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Travis Hernes of FC Groningen, 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 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #2 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €22.0M | €34.0M | +35% |
| #3 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €250K | €386K | +35% |
| #4 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21 | 5 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #5 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #6 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #7 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €4.7M | +25% |
| #8 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 22 | 4 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #9 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #10 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €18.0M | €24.1M | +25% |
| #11 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
| #12 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #13 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #14 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 3 | €450K | €559K | +20% |
| #15 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.2M | +20% |
| #16 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 23 | 3 | €1.3M | €1.6M | +20% |
| #17 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 23 | 3 | €3.5M | €4.4M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Groningen's Travis Hernes has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Travis Hernes has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Tygo Land of FC Groningen 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 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | €287K | €247K-326K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | €25.2M | €21.7M-28.7M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | €276K | €238K-314K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | €482K | €424K-540K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | €19.1M | €16.8M-21.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | €7.4M | €6.5M-8.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | €6.4M | €5.6M-7.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | €5.3M | €4.7M-5.9M | +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 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)
FC Groningen's Travis Hernes in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +13.3%. That means Kees Smit captures 30.9% of total market value while representing only 17.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Groningen's Tygo Land with a +13.3% ASC (30.9% value share vs 17.6% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar with a +13.3% ASC (30.9% value vs 17.6% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +13.3% ASC means the player captures 13.3% 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 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | U21 | 30.9% | 17.6% | +13.3% |
| #2 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | U21 | 30.9% | 17.6% | +13.3% |
| #3 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | U21 | 30.9% | 17.6% | +13.3% |
| #4 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #5 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #6 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #7 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #8 | Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #9 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #10 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #11 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #12 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #13 | Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #14 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #15 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #16 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
| #17 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 21-23 | 69.1% | 82.4% | -13.3% |
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, 17 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 €1.3M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Travis Hernes FC Groningen | €250K | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | €250K | €1.5M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | €450K | €1.5M | -0.53 | Good Value |
Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | €1.3M | €1.5M | -0.10 | Fair Value |
Luciano Valente Feyenoord Rotterdam | €18.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Dave Kwakman FC Volendam | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tygo Land FC Groningen | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | €22.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | €6.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | €7.0M | €1.5M | +0.50 | Fair Value |
Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | €3.0M | €1.5M | +0.75 | Above Market |
Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | €3.5M | €1.5M | +1.00 | Above Market |
Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | €3.5M | €1.5M | +1.00 | Above Market |