Best U23 Young Strikers in the Eredivisie
13 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Strikers in the Eredivisie (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Eredivisie Young Strikers 2024-25
Our database tracked 13 Eredivisie Young Strikers in the 2024-25 season, representing 10 clubs with a combined market value of €37.5M. The average market value for Eredivisie Young Strikers was €2.9M, with the average age at 21.8 years old.
The most valuable young striker in the Eredivisie was Ricardo Pepi, worth €16.0M and played for PSV Eindhoven at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Strikers averaged €6.3M in market value, including Mexx Meerdink and Kento Shiogai.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young striker was Don-Angelo Konadu (19 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €800K), while the oldest was Ricardo Pepi (23 years, PSV Eindhoven, €16.0M). Research shows Young Strikers typically peak at age 26.
Historical analysis showed 13 Young Strikers (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 Strikers 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 Strikers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 10 clubs with €37.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Eredivisie Young Strikers
The Eredivisie ST market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (11 players, 85% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €35.8M, averaging €3.3M per player.
Top Young Strikers by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Strikers (15% of players) control €26.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 8% of the Eredivisie ST pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Eredivisie Young Strikers
Among 10 Eredivisie clubs, PSV Eindhoven leads with 1 Young Strikers worth €16.0M (averaging €16.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Strikers.
PSV Eindhoven (1 Young Strikers)
AZ Alkmaar (2 Young Strikers)
NEC Nijmegen (1 Young Strikers)
Go Ahead Eagles (2 Young Strikers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ricardo Pepi
PSV Eindhoven • 23 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.1M
70.9
Mexx Meerdink
AZ Alkmaar • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
60.9
Kento Shiogai
NEC Nijmegen • 21 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.4
Milan Smit
Go Ahead Eagles • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Noah Ohio
FC Utrecht • 23 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
32.5
Thom van Bergen
FC Groningen • 22 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
31.9
Moussa Soumano
NAC Breda • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
27.4
Vaclav Sejk
SC Heerenveen • 23 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €857K
26.5
Lequincio Zeefuik
AZ Alkmaar • 21 years old
€735K
€850K
+15.6%
Expected: €937K
26.0
Don-Angelo Konadu
Ajax Amsterdam • 19 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €953K
24.0
Anthony Descotte
FC Volendam • 22 years old
€562K
€650K
+15.6%
Expected: €688K
23.3
Jesse van de Haar
FC Utrecht • 21 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €496K
18.1
Thibo Baeten
Go Ahead Eagles • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €428K
17.8
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 Ricardo Pepi at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 12.31×. That means Ricardo Pepi is valued 12.31× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is AZ Alkmaar's Mexx Meerdink, who is 22 years old, with a 7.69× PPVE. Third is Kento Shiogai of NEC Nijmegen, who is 21 years old with a 1.92× 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 12.31× means the player is worth 1131% 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 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 21-23 | €16.0M | €1.3M | 12.31× |
| #2 | Mexx Meerdink AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €1.3M | 7.69× |
| #3 | Kento Shiogai NEC Nijmegen | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.3M | 1.92× |
| #4 | Milan Smit Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.3M | 1.15× |
| #5 | Moussa Soumano NAC Breda | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Noah Ohio FC Utrecht | 23 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €1.3M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Thom van Bergen FC Groningen | 22 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €1.3M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Don-Angelo Konadu Ajax Amsterdam | 19 | U21 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80× |
| #9 | Lequincio Zeefuik AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 21-23 | €850K | €1.3M | 0.65× |
| #10 | Vaclav Sejk SC Heerenveen | 23 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.3M | 0.62× |
| #11 | Anthony Descotte FC Volendam | 22 | 21-23 | €650K | €1.3M | 0.50× |
| #12 | Jesse van de Haar FC Utrecht | 21 | 21-23 | €450K | €1.3M | 0.35× |
| #13 | Thibo Baeten Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.3M | 0.31× |
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)
Ajax Amsterdam's Don-Angelo Konadu at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Don-Angelo Konadu is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is NAC Breda's Moussa Soumano, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Kento Shiogai of NEC Nijmegen, who is 21 years old with a +30% RPP (5 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Don-Angelo Konadu Ajax Amsterdam | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.3M | +40% |
| #2 | Moussa Soumano NAC Breda | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #3 | Kento Shiogai NEC Nijmegen | 21 | 5 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #4 | Lequincio Zeefuik AZ Alkmaar | 21 | 5 | €850K | €1.2M | +30% |
| #5 | Jesse van de Haar FC Utrecht | 21 | 5 | €450K | €647K | +30% |
| #6 | Mexx Meerdink AZ Alkmaar | 22 | 4 | €10.0M | €13.4M | +25% |
| #7 | Anthony Descotte FC Volendam | 22 | 4 | €650K | €869K | +25% |
| #8 | Thom van Bergen FC Groningen | 22 | 4 | €1.3M | €1.7M | +25% |
| #9 | Milan Smit Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #10 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | 23 | 3 | €16.0M | €19.9M | +20% |
| #11 | Thibo Baeten Go Ahead Eagles | 23 | 3 | €400K | €497K | +20% |
| #12 | Noah Ohio FC Utrecht | 23 | 3 | €1.3M | €1.6M | +20% |
| #13 | Vaclav Sejk SC Heerenveen | 23 | 3 | €800K | €995K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Ajax Amsterdam's Don-Angelo Konadu has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Don-Angelo Konadu has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is NAC Breda's Moussa Soumano with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Kento Shiogai of NEC Nijmegen with a 33.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Don-Angelo Konadu Ajax Amsterdam | €953K | €821K-1.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Moussa Soumano NAC Breda | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Kento Shiogai NEC Nijmegen | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #4 | Jesse van de Haar FC Utrecht | €496K | €428K-565K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Lequincio Zeefuik AZ Alkmaar | €937K | €808K-1.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | €17.1M | €15.1M-19.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Noah Ohio FC Utrecht | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Milan Smit Go Ahead Eagles | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Thibo Baeten Go Ahead Eagles | €428K | €377K-480K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Vaclav Sejk SC Heerenveen | €857K | €754K-959K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Anthony Descotte FC Volendam | €688K | €605K-771K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Thom van Bergen FC Groningen | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.5M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #13 | Mexx Meerdink AZ Alkmaar | €10.6M | €9.3M-11.9M | +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 striker 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)
NEC Nijmegen's Kento Shiogai in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +10.6%. That means Ricardo Pepi captures 95.2% of total market value while representing only 84.6% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Go Ahead Eagles's Thibo Baeten with a +10.6% ASC (95.2% value share vs 84.6% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Noah Ohio of FC Utrecht with a +10.6% ASC (95.2% value vs 84.6% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +10.6% ASC means the player captures 10.6% 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 | Kento Shiogai NEC Nijmegen | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #2 | Thibo Baeten Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #3 | Noah Ohio FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #4 | Anthony Descotte FC Volendam | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #5 | Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #6 | Vaclav Sejk SC Heerenveen | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #7 | Thom van Bergen FC Groningen | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #8 | Mexx Meerdink AZ Alkmaar | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #9 | Milan Smit Go Ahead Eagles | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #10 | Lequincio Zeefuik AZ Alkmaar | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #11 | Jesse van de Haar FC Utrecht | 21-23 | 95.2% | 84.6% | +10.6% |
| #12 | Moussa Soumano NAC Breda | U21 | 4.8% | 15.4% | -10.6% |
| #13 | Don-Angelo Konadu Ajax Amsterdam | U21 | 4.8% | 15.4% | -10.6% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 12 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Don-Angelo Konadu Ajax Amsterdam | €800K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Thibo Baeten Go Ahead Eagles | €400K | €1.0M | -0.69 | Good Value |
Jesse van de Haar FC Utrecht | €450K | €1.0M | -0.62 | Good Value |
Anthony Descotte FC Volendam | €650K | €1.0M | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Vaclav Sejk SC Heerenveen | €800K | €1.0M | -0.08 | Fair Value |
Moussa Soumano NAC Breda | €1.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ricardo Pepi PSV Eindhoven | €16.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mexx Meerdink AZ Alkmaar | €10.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Lequincio Zeefuik AZ Alkmaar | €850K | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Noah Ohio FC Utrecht | €1.3M | €1.0M | +0.69 | Above Market |
Thom van Bergen FC Groningen | €1.3M | €1.0M | +0.69 | Above Market |
Milan Smit Go Ahead Eagles | €1.5M | €1.0M | +1.00 | Above Market |
Kento Shiogai NEC Nijmegen | €2.5M | €1.0M | +2.54 | Premium |