Best U23 Young Midfielders in the Eredivisie
23 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Midfielders in the Eredivisie (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Eredivisie Young Midfielders 2026-27
Our database tracked 23 Eredivisie Young Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €85.2M. The average market value for Eredivisie Young Midfielders was €3.7M, with the average age at 21.8 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the Eredivisie was Kenneth Taylor, worth €28.0M and played for Ajax Amsterdam at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders averaged €10.8M in market value, including Kees Smit and Youri Regeer.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young midfielder was Kees Smit (20 years, AZ Alkmaar, €10.0M), while the oldest was Kenneth Taylor (23 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €28.0M). Research shows Young Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 23 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 Eredivisie market for Young Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 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 €85.2M 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 (20 players, 87% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €72.9M, averaging €3.6M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (20 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Midfielders (13% of players) control €44.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 4% of the Eredivisie CM pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Young Midfielders
Among 12 Eredivisie clubs, Ajax Amsterdam leads with 4 Young Midfielders worth €41.0M (averaging €10.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 91% of tracked Young Midfielders.
Ajax Amsterdam (4 Young Midfielders)
AZ Alkmaar (2 Young Midfielders)
FC Utrecht (2 Young Midfielders)
NEC Nijmegen (1 Young Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Kenneth Taylor
Ajax Amsterdam • 23 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €30.0M
77.9
Kees Smit
AZ Alkmaar • 20 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
59.7
Youri Regeer
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
54.5
Kodai Sano
NEC Nijmegen • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Kian Fitz-Jim
Ajax Amsterdam • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Gjivai Zechiël
FC Utrecht • 21 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
51.7
Zidane Iqbal
FC Utrecht • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.5
Marcus Linday
SC Heerenveen • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.5
Zico Buurmeester
PEC Zwolle • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.4
Dave Kwakman
AZ Alkmaar • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
36.6
James McConnell
Ajax Amsterdam • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
36.6
Edouard Michut
Fortuna Sittard • 23 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.6
Tygo Land
FC Groningen • 20 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.3M
36.0
Ryan Fosso
Fortuna Sittard • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Daouda Weidmann
Twente Enschede FC • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Tika de Jonge
FC Groningen • 23 years old
€778K
€900K
+15.6%
Expected: €964K
27.9
Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp
SC Telstar • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
25.9
Irakli Yegoian
Excelsior Rotterdam • 22 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €741K
24.2
Mathijs Tielemans
Excelsior Rotterdam • 23 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €642K
22.9
Lennard Hartjes
Excelsior Rotterdam • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
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 Kenneth Taylor at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 14.00×. That means Kenneth Taylor is valued 14.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, who is 20 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Youri Regeer of Ajax Amsterdam, who is 22 years old with a 3.00× 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 14.00× means the player is worth 1300% 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 | Kenneth Taylor Ajax Amsterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €2.0M | 14.00× |
| #2 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | U21 | €10.0M | €2.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €2.0M | 3.00× |
| #4 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #5 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 21 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #6 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #8 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €2.0M | 1.75× |
| #10 | Dave Kwakman AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | U21 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | James McConnell Ajax Amsterdam | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €2.0M | 0.90× |
| #14 | Ryan Fosso Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
| #15 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.50× |
| #16 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 23 | 21-23 | €900K | €2.0M | 0.45× |
| #17 | Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp SC Telstar | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €2.0M | 0.40× |
| #18 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €2.0M | 0.35× |
| #19 | Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €2.0M | 0.30× |
| #20 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €2.0M | 0.25× |
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 Travis Hernes at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Travis Hernes is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Groningen's Tygo Land, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Kees Smit 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 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €350K | €541K | +35% |
| #2 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #3 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | 20 | 6 | €10.0M | €15.5M | +35% |
| #4 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21 | 5 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #5 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | 21 | 5 | €350K | €503K | +30% |
| #6 | Dave Kwakman AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #7 | James McConnell Ajax Amsterdam | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #8 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 21 | 5 | €5.0M | €7.2M | +30% |
| #9 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #10 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 22 | 4 | €700K | €936K | +25% |
| #11 | Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #12 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #13 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #14 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #15 | Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp SC Telstar | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #16 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 22 | 4 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
| #17 | Ryan Fosso Fortuna Sittard | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #18 | Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 3 | €600K | €746K | +20% |
| #19 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
| #20 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 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)
FC Groningen's Tygo Land has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Tygo Land has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Groningen's Travis Hernes with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Kees Smit 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 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Travis Hernes FC Groningen | €401K | €346K-457K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | €11.5M | €9.9M-13.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | €386K | €333K-439K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | €5.5M | €4.8M-6.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | €276K | €238K-314K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Dave Kwakman AZ Alkmaar | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | James McConnell Ajax Amsterdam | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | €642K | €565K-719K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Kenneth Taylor Ajax Amsterdam | €30.0M | €26.4M-33.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | €964K | €848K-1.1M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Ryan Fosso Fortuna Sittard | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | €741K | €652K-830K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Marcus Linday SC Heerenveen | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp SC Telstar | €847K | €745K-948K | +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)
FC Groningen's Travis Hernes in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +1.4%. That means Kees Smit captures 14.5% of total market value while representing only 13.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Groningen's Tygo Land with a +1.4% ASC (14.5% value share vs 13.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Kees Smit of AZ Alkmaar with a +1.4% ASC (14.5% value vs 13.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +1.4% ASC means the player captures 1.4% 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 | 14.5% | 13.0% | +1.4% |
| #2 | Tygo Land FC Groningen | U21 | 14.5% | 13.0% | +1.4% |
| #3 | Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | U21 | 14.5% | 13.0% | +1.4% |
| #4 | Kenneth Taylor Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #5 | Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #6 | Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #7 | Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #8 | Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #9 | Zico Buurmeester PEC Zwolle | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #10 | Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #11 | Ryan Fosso Fortuna Sittard | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #12 | Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #13 | Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #14 | Zidane Iqbal FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #15 | Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #16 | Nils Rossen SC Telstar | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #17 | Dave Kwakman AZ Alkmaar | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #18 | Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #19 | Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
| #20 | James McConnell Ajax Amsterdam | 21-23 | 85.5% | 87.0% | -1.4% |
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, 23 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 €900K. 0 undervalued, 3 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Travis Hernes FC Groningen | €350K | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Robbin Weijenberg Go Ahead Eagles | €250K | €2.0M | -0.54 | Good Value |
Nils Rossen SC Telstar | €350K | €2.0M | -0.46 | Fair Value |
Lennard Hartjes Excelsior Rotterdam | €500K | €2.0M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Mathijs Tielemans Excelsior Rotterdam | €600K | €2.0M | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Irakli Yegoian Excelsior Rotterdam | €700K | €2.0M | -0.21 | Fair Value |
Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp SC Telstar | €800K | €2.0M | -0.14 | Fair Value |
Tika de Jonge FC Groningen | €900K | €2.0M | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Kenneth Taylor Ajax Amsterdam | €28.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Kian Fitz-Jim Ajax Amsterdam | €5.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Gjivai Zechiël FC Utrecht | €5.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Daouda Weidmann Twente Enschede FC | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tygo Land FC Groningen | €2.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Kees Smit AZ Alkmaar | €10.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Kodai Sano NEC Nijmegen | €5.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ryan Fosso Fortuna Sittard | €1.5M | €2.0M | +0.36 | Fair Value |
Edouard Michut Fortuna Sittard | €1.8M | €2.0M | +0.57 | Above Market |
Dave Kwakman AZ Alkmaar | €2.0M | €2.0M | +0.71 | Above Market |
James McConnell Ajax Amsterdam | €2.0M | €2.0M | +0.71 | Above Market |
Youri Regeer Ajax Amsterdam | €6.0M | €2.0M | +1.00 | Above Market |