Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the La Liga
18 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Centre-Backs in the La Liga (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: La Liga Young Centre-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 18 La Liga Young Centre-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €304.4M. The average market value for La Liga Young Centre-Backs was €16.9M, with the average age at 21.7 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the La Liga was Dean Huijsen, worth €70.0M and played for Real Madrid at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €47.0M in market value, including Pau Cubarsí and Raúl Asencio.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Pau Cubarsí (19 years, FC Barcelona, €80.0M), while the oldest was Raúl Asencio (23 years, Real Madrid, €30.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 18 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 La Liga market for Young Centre-Backs 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 La Liga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all La Liga Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €304.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: La Liga Young Centre-Backs
The La Liga CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (15 players, 83% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €189.4M, averaging €12.6M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (15 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €150.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 11% of the La Liga CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: La Liga Young Centre-Backs
Among 12 La Liga clubs, Real Madrid leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €100.0M (averaging €50.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 89% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Real Madrid (2 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Barcelona (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Villarreal CF (3 Young Centre-Backs)
Girona FC (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
92.2
Pau Cubarsí
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €99.1M
91.1
Raúl Asencio
Real Madrid • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
79.2
Vitor Reis
Girona FC • 20 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.4M
77.2
Renato Veiga
Villarreal CF • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.2
Javi Rodríguez
Celta de Vigo • 22 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
69.8
Rafa Marín
Villarreal CF • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.8
Valentín Gómez
Real Betis Balompié • 22 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.6M
61.2
Alan Matturro
Levante UD • 21 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.6M
54.2
Jon Martín
Real Sociedad • 20 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.7M
51.3
Clemens Riedel
RCD Espanyol Barcelona • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.9
Willy Kambwala
Villarreal CF • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
49.2
Nobel Mendy
Rayo Vallecano • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
49.2
Alejandro Francés
Girona FC • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.7
Matías Moreno
Levante UD • 22 years old
€2.9M
€3.4M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.8
Yoel Lago
Celta de Vigo • 22 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
40.3
Tanguy Nianzou
Sevilla FC • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.6
David López
RCD Mallorca • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.9
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)
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 17.50×. That means Dean Huijsen is valued 17.50× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Real Madrid's Raúl Asencio, who is 23 years old, with a 7.50× PPVE. Third is Renato Veiga of Villarreal CF, who is 22 years old with a 6.25× 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 17.50× means the player is worth 1650% 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 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €4.0M | 17.50× |
| #2 | Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | 23 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €4.0M | 7.50× |
| #3 | Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €4.0M | 6.25× |
| #4 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €4.0M | 3.75× |
| #5 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €80.0M | €30.0M | 2.67× |
| #6 | Rafa Marín Villarreal CF | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €4.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | 22 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €4.0M | 2.50× |
| #8 | Alan Matturro Levante UD | 21 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €4.0M | 1.50× |
| #9 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | 20 | U21 | €30.0M | €30.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Clemens Riedel RCD Espanyol Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Willy Kambwala Villarreal CF | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Alejandro Francés Girona FC | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €4.0M | 0.88× |
| #14 | Matías Moreno Levante UD | 22 | 21-23 | €3.4M | €4.0M | 0.85× |
| #15 | Yoel Lago Celta de Vigo | 22 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €4.0M | 0.63× |
| #16 | Tanguy Nianzou Sevilla FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €4.0M | 0.38× |
| #17 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €30.0M | 0.17× |
| #18 | David López RCD Mallorca | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €4.0M | 0.13× |
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 Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Pau Cubarsí is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Girona FC's Vitor Reis, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Jon Martín of Real Sociedad, 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €80.0M | €133.0M | +40% |
| #2 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | 20 | 6 | €30.0M | €46.4M | +35% |
| #3 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €7.7M | +35% |
| #4 | Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #5 | Willy Kambwala Villarreal CF | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #6 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 5 | €70.0M | €100.6M | +30% |
| #7 | Alan Matturro Levante UD | 21 | 5 | €6.0M | €8.6M | +30% |
| #8 | Yoel Lago Celta de Vigo | 22 | 4 | €2.5M | €3.3M | +25% |
| #9 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | 22 | 4 | €10.0M | €13.4M | +25% |
| #10 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 22 | 4 | €15.0M | €20.1M | +25% |
| #11 | Clemens Riedel RCD Espanyol Barcelona | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #12 | Matías Moreno Levante UD | 22 | 4 | €3.4M | €4.5M | +25% |
| #13 | Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | 22 | 4 | €25.0M | €33.4M | +25% |
| #14 | Tanguy Nianzou Sevilla FC | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €1.9M | +20% |
| #15 | Rafa Marín Villarreal CF | 23 | 3 | €10.0M | €12.4M | +20% |
| #16 | David López RCD Mallorca | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
| #17 | Alejandro Francés Girona FC | 23 | 3 | €3.5M | €4.4M | +20% |
| #18 | Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | 23 | 3 | €30.0M | €37.3M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Pau Cubarsí has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen with a 46.6 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Vitor Reis of Girona FC 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 70.0 means the upside is 70.0× 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #3 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | €34.4M | €29.7M-39.1M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | €5.7M | €4.9M-6.5M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Alan Matturro Levante UD | €6.6M | €5.7M-7.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #6 | Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Willy Kambwala Villarreal CF | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | David López RCD Mallorca | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | €32.1M | €28.3M-36.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Rafa Marín Villarreal CF | €10.7M | €9.4M-12.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Alejandro Francés Girona FC | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Tanguy Nianzou Sevilla FC | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Matías Moreno Levante UD | €3.6M | €3.2M-4.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Clemens Riedel RCD Espanyol Barcelona | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | €26.5M | €23.3M-29.6M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | €15.9M | €14.0M-17.8M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Yoel Lago Celta de Vigo | €2.6M | €2.3M-3.0M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | €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 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)
Girona FC's Vitor Reis in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +21.1%. That means Pau Cubarsí captures 37.8% of total market value while representing only 16.7% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Real Sociedad's Jon Martín with a +21.1% ASC (37.8% value share vs 16.7% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Pau Cubarsí of FC Barcelona with a +21.1% ASC (37.8% value vs 16.7% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +21.1% ASC means the player captures 21.1% 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 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | U21 | 37.8% | 16.7% | +21.1% |
| #2 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | U21 | 37.8% | 16.7% | +21.1% |
| #3 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | U21 | 37.8% | 16.7% | +21.1% |
| #4 | Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #5 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #6 | Matías Moreno Levante UD | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #7 | Tanguy Nianzou Sevilla FC | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #8 | Alejandro Francés Girona FC | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #9 | Rafa Marín Villarreal CF | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #10 | Clemens Riedel RCD Espanyol Barcelona | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #11 | Willy Kambwala Villarreal CF | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #12 | Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #13 | Alan Matturro Levante UD | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #14 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #15 | Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #16 | Yoel Lago Celta de Vigo | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #17 | David López RCD Mallorca | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
| #18 | Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | 21-23 | 62.2% | 83.3% | -21.1% |
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, 17 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 €3.4M. 1 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
David López RCD Mallorca | €500K | €6.0M | -2.00 | Undervalued |
Tanguy Nianzou Sevilla FC | €1.5M | €6.0M | -1.33 | Good Value |
Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | €15.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Alan Matturro Levante UD | €6.0M | €6.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yoel Lago Celta de Vigo | €2.5M | €6.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Matías Moreno Levante UD | €3.4M | €6.0M | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Vitor Reis Girona FC | €30.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jon Martín Real Sociedad | €5.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Alejandro Francés Girona FC | €3.5M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Rafa Marín Villarreal CF | €10.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | €25.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €70.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | €30.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €80.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Valentín Gómez Real Betis Balompié | €10.0M | €6.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | €4.0M | €6.0M | +0.33 | Fair Value |
Clemens Riedel RCD Espanyol Barcelona | €4.0M | €6.0M | +0.33 | Fair Value |
Willy Kambwala Villarreal CF | €4.0M | €6.0M | +0.33 | Fair Value |