Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Jupiler Pro League
36 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Jupiler Pro League (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Jupiler Pro League Young Centre-Backs 2026-27
Our database tracked 36 Jupiler Pro League Young Centre-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 16 clubs with a combined market value of €100.2M. The average market value for Jupiler Pro League Young Centre-Backs was €2.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Jupiler Pro League was Joel Ordóñez, worth €28.0M and played for Club Brugge KV at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €11.3M in market value, including Matte Smets and Zeno Van Den Bosch.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Christ Souanga (19 years, Oud-Heverlee Leuven, €200K), while the oldest was Lucas Hey (23 years, RSC Anderlecht, €4.5M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 36 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 Jupiler Pro League market for Young Centre-Backs 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 Jupiler Pro League
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Jupiler Pro League Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 16 clubs with €100.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Jupiler Pro League Young Centre-Backs
The Jupiler Pro League CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (28 players, 78% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €92.6M, averaging €3.3M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (8 players)
21-23 Years (28 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Young Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €52.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the Jupiler Pro League CB pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Jupiler Pro League Young Centre-Backs
Among 16 Jupiler Pro League clubs, Club Brugge KV leads with 3 Young Centre-Backs worth €32.0M (averaging €10.7M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 75% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Club Brugge KV (3 Young Centre-Backs)
KRC Genk (3 Young Centre-Backs)
Royal Antwerp FC (3 Young Centre-Backs)
RSC Anderlecht (3 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.
Joel Ordóñez
Club Brugge KV • 22 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.6M
77.3
Matte Smets
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€9.5M
€11.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.6M
65.7
Zeno Van Den Bosch
Royal Antwerp FC • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
58.1
Fedde Leysen
Union Saint-Gilloise • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Lucas Hey
RSC Anderlecht • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Emin Bayram
KVC Westerlo • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Christiaan Ravych
Cercle Brugge • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.4
Marco Kana
RSC Anderlecht • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Maksim Paskotsi
KAA Gent • 23 years old
€2.4M
€2.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
42.1
Jorne Spileers
Club Brugge KV • 21 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
41.7
Mihajlo Ilić
RSC Anderlecht • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Check Keita
Royal Charleroi SC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Rein Van Helden
Royal Antwerp FC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Josué Kongolo
KRC Genk • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
38.8
Redouane Halhal
KV Mechelen • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Daan Dierckx
Standard Liège • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Mamadou Thierno Barry
Union Saint-Gilloise • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.1
Emmanuel Kakou
Cercle Brugge • 20 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.5
Yllan Okou
RAAL La Louvière • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.5
Adrián Palacios
KRC Genk • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
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)
Club Brugge KV's Joel Ordóñez at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 14.00×. That means Joel Ordóñez 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 KRC Genk's Matte Smets, who is 22 years old, with a 5.50× PPVE. Third is Zeno Van Den Bosch of Royal Antwerp FC, who is 22 years old with a 4.00× 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 | Joel Ordóñez Club Brugge KV | 22 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €2.0M | 14.00× |
| #2 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 22 | 21-23 | €11.0M | €2.0M | 5.50× |
| #3 | Zeno Van Den Bosch Royal Antwerp FC | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €2.0M | 4.00× |
| #4 | Fedde Leysen Union Saint-Gilloise | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €2.0M | 2.50× |
| #5 | Josué Kongolo KRC Genk | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #6 | Lucas Hey RSC Anderlecht | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €2.0M | 2.25× |
| #7 | Emin Bayram KVC Westerlo | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #8 | Christiaan Ravych Cercle Brugge | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €2.0M | 1.75× |
| #9 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #10 | Marco Kana RSC Anderlecht | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #11 | Jorne Spileers Club Brugge KV | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #12 | Maksim Paskotsi KAA Gent | 23 | 21-23 | €2.8M | €2.0M | 1.40× |
| #13 | Rein Van Helden Royal Antwerp FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.0M | 1.25× |
| #14 | Check Keita Royal Charleroi SC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.0M | 1.25× |
| #15 | Mihajlo Ilić RSC Anderlecht | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.0M | 1.25× |
| #16 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Redouane Halhal KV Mechelen | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #18 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #19 | Andreas Verstraeten Royal Antwerp FC | 20 | U21 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80× |
| #20 | Mamadou Thierno Barry Union Saint-Gilloise | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €2.0M | 0.75× |
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)
Sint-Truidense VV's Hugo Lambotte at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Christ Souanga is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Oud-Heverlee Leuven's Christ Souanga, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Emmanuel Kakou of Cercle Brugge , 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 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 | Hugo Lambotte Sint-Truidense VV | 19 | 7 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #2 | Christ Souanga Oud-Heverlee Leuven | 19 | 7 | €200K | €332K | +40% |
| #3 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #4 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #5 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #6 | Josué Kongolo KRC Genk | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €3.9M | +35% |
| #7 | Andreas Verstraeten Royal Antwerp FC | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #8 | Lovro Golic KV Mechelen | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #9 | Massamba Sow Royal Charleroi SC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #10 | Amando Lapage KVC Westerlo | 21 | 5 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #11 | Benjamin Fredrick FCV Dender EH | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #12 | Bakary Haidara KVC Westerlo | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #13 | Mamadou Thierno Barry Union Saint-Gilloise | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #14 | Jorne Spileers Club Brugge KV | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #15 | Dalangunypole Gomis Cercle Brugge | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #16 | Fedde Leysen Union Saint-Gilloise | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #17 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 22 | 4 | €11.0M | €14.7M | +25% |
| #18 | Adrián Palacios KRC Genk | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #19 | Zeno Van Den Bosch Royal Antwerp FC | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #20 | Mehdi Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Sint-Truidense VV's Hugo Lambotte has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Hugo Lambotte has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Oud-Heverlee Leuven's Christ Souanga with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Vince Osuji of Club Brugge KV 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 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 | Hugo Lambotte Sint-Truidense VV | €179K | €154K-203K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Christ Souanga Oud-Heverlee Leuven | €238K | €205K-271K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Andreas Verstraeten Royal Antwerp FC | €917K | €791K-1.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Lovro Golic KV Mechelen | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Josué Kongolo KRC Genk | €2.9M | €2.5M-3.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Mamadou Thierno Barry Union Saint-Gilloise | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Jorne Spileers Club Brugge KV | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.8M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Massamba Sow Royal Charleroi SC | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Amando Lapage KVC Westerlo | €441K | €380K-502K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #13 | Benjamin Fredrick FCV Dender EH | €882K | €760K-1.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #14 | Bakary Haidara KVC Westerlo | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #15 | Dalangunypole Gomis Cercle Brugge | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #16 | Emin Bayram KVC Westerlo | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Redouane Halhal KV Mechelen | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Kadir Seven Zulte Waregem | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Yllan Okou RAAL La Louvière | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #20 | Rein Van Helden Royal Antwerp FC | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
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)
Royal Antwerp FC's Andreas Verstraeten in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-14.7%. That means Josué Kongolo captures 7.5% of total market value while representing only 22.2% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Cercle Brugge 's Emmanuel Kakou with a +-14.7% ASC (7.5% value share vs 22.2% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Vince Osuji of Club Brugge KV with a +-14.7% ASC (7.5% value vs 22.2% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-14.7% ASC means the player captures -14.7% 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 | Andreas Verstraeten Royal Antwerp FC | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #2 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #3 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #4 | Hugo Lambotte Sint-Truidense VV | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #5 | Luc De Fougerolles FCV Dender EH | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #6 | Christ Souanga Oud-Heverlee Leuven | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #7 | Lovro Golic KV Mechelen | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #8 | Josué Kongolo KRC Genk | U21 | 7.5% | 22.2% | -14.7% |
| #9 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #10 | Amando Lapage KVC Westerlo | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #11 | Adrián Palacios KRC Genk | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #12 | Benjamin Fredrick FCV Dender EH | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #13 | Bakary Haidara KVC Westerlo | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #14 | Mamadou Thierno Barry Union Saint-Gilloise | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #15 | Marco Kana RSC Anderlecht | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #16 | Maksim Paskotsi KAA Gent | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #17 | Lukas Willen Zulte Waregem | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #18 | Christiaan Ravych Cercle Brugge | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #19 | Daan Dierckx Standard Liège | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
| #20 | Emin Bayram KVC Westerlo | 21-23 | 92.5% | 77.8% | +14.7% |
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: 2 immediate targets, 34 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 €28.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hugo Lambotte Sint-Truidense VV | €150K | €1.5M | -0.77 | Good Value |
Christ Souanga Oud-Heverlee Leuven | €200K | €1.5M | -0.73 | Good Value |
Bakary Haidara KVC Westerlo | €200K | €1.5M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Dalangunypole Gomis Cercle Brugge | €200K | €1.5M | -0.57 | Good Value |
Lovro Golic KV Mechelen | €400K | €1.5M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Fedde Leysen Union Saint-Gilloise | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Amando Lapage KVC Westerlo | €400K | €1.5M | -0.48 | Fair Value |
Mehdi Boukamir Royal Charleroi SC | €500K | €1.5M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Clinton Nsiala KVC Westerlo | €500K | €1.5M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Kadir Seven Zulte Waregem | €500K | €1.5M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Massamba Sow Royal Charleroi SC | €500K | €1.5M | -0.43 | Fair Value |
Lukas Willen Zulte Waregem | €700K | €1.5M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Benjamin Fredrick FCV Dender EH | €800K | €1.5M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Roggerio Nyakossi Oud-Heverlee Leuven | €800K | €1.5M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Adrián Palacios KRC Genk | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.22 | Fair Value |
Andreas Verstraeten Royal Antwerp FC | €800K | €1.5M | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Yllan Okou RAAL La Louvière | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.13 | Fair Value |
Mamadou Thierno Barry Union Saint-Gilloise | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Daan Dierckx Standard Liège | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |