Under 23 · Liga Argentina · 2024-25

Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Argentina

2 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Argentina (Apr 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders 2024-25

Our database tracked 2 Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 2 clubs with a combined market value of €350K. The average market value for Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders was €175K, with the average age at 23.0 years old.

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Argentina was Tiago Cravero, worth €200K and played for CA San Miguel at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €175K in market value, including Santiago Gauna.

Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Tiago Cravero (23 years, CA San Miguel, €200K), while the oldest was Tiago Cravero (23 years, CA San Miguel, €200K). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.

Historical analysis showed 2 Young Defensive 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 Liga Argentina market for Young Defensive Midfielders 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.

Market Intelligence

Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Argentina

Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 2 clubs with €350K combined value.

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders

The Liga Argentina CDM market shows 1 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (2 players, 100% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €350K, averaging €175K per player.

21-23 years2 players (100%)

€350KAvg: €175K

Top player: Tiago Cravero (€200K)

Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket

21-23 Years (2 players)

1. Tiago Cravero(23yo)

€200K

2. Santiago Gauna(23yo)

€150K

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

57%of market value

The top 1 Young Defensive Midfielders (50% of players) control €200K

1. Tiago Cravero€200K

Market Tiers

Emerging (<€5M)2 players (100%)

€350K

Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Argentina CDM pool.

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Tiago Cravero

CA San Miguel€200K

2. Santiago Gauna

Club Almirante Brown€150K

Club Distribution: Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders

Among 2 Liga Argentina clubs, CA San Miguel leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €200K (averaging €200K per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.

CA San Miguel

1 players • €200K

Club Almirante Brown

1 players • €150K

CA San Miguel (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Tiago Cravero(23yo)

€200K

Club Almirante Brown (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Santiago Gauna(23yo)

€150K

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

Tiago Cravero

CA San Miguel • 23 years old

€173K

€200K

+15.6%

€186K€237K

Expected: €212K

8.6

Santiago Gauna

Club Almirante Brown • 23 years old

€130K

€150K

+15.6%

€140K€178K

Expected: €159K

5.0

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)

2 pre-peak players found. PPVE compares market value to age bracket median to identify exceptional value opportunities.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Tiago CraveroCA San Miguel

21-23 • 23yo1.00×

€200K • 0% above median

Santiago GaunaClub Almirante Brown

21-23 • 23yo0.75×

€150K • -25% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Tiago Cravero CA San Miguel	23	21-23	€200K	€200K	1.00×
#2	Santiago Gauna Club Almirante Brown	23	21-23	€150K	€200K	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)

Club Almirante Brown's Santiago Gauna leads with +25% RPP, projected to appreciate 25% over 3 years to peak.

How RPP is calculated: RPP compares current market value to forecasted peak value. Target players with RPP ≥50% who are 2-3 years from peak for significant value appreciation potential.

Recovery Potential by Player

Santiago GaunaClub Almirante Brown

3yr to peak+25%

€150K → €201K

Tiago CraveroCA San Miguel

3yr to peak+25%

€200K → €267K

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Santiago Gauna Club Almirante Brown	23	3	€150K	€201K	+25%
#2	Tiago Cravero CA San Miguel	23	3	€200K	€267K	+25%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Club Almirante Brown's Santiago Gauna leads with 23.0 RAU (6% upside vs 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %. Higher RAU means better risk-reward. Target RAU ≥2.0 for strong appreciation with manageable risk.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Santiago GaunaClub Almirante Brown

↑6% / ±0%23.0

Range: €140K - €178K

Tiago CraveroCA San Miguel

↑6% / ±0%23.0

Range: €186K - €237K

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Santiago Gauna Club Almirante Brown	€159K	€140K-178K	+6%	23.0
#2	Tiago Cravero CA San Miguel	€212K	€186K-237K	+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 defensive midfielder position shows strong depth (avg Z-score: 0.00). RPI: 0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

Total Players

0.00

Avg Z-Score

0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Tiago Cravero+1.00

Santiago Gauna+-1.00

Lowest Z-Scores

Santiago Gauna-1.00

Tiago Cravero1.00

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

Club Almirante Brown's Santiago Gauna leads with +0.0% ASC (100.0% value share vs 100.0% player share in 21-23 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. ASC > +15% indicates elite players dominating their age group—marquee signings.

Value Concentration by Player

Santiago GaunaClub Almirante Brown

21-230.0%

100.0% value share / 100.0% player share

Tiago CraveroCA San Miguel

21-230.0%

100.0% value share / 100.0% player share

Rank	Player	Age Bracket	Value Share	Player Share	ASC
#1	Santiago Gauna Club Almirante Brown	21-23	100.0%	100.0%	0.0%
#2	Tiago Cravero CA San Miguel	21-23	100.0%	100.0%	0.0%

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, 2 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

Tiago Cravero

23yo • CA San Miguel

€200K

Santiago Gauna

23yo • Club Almirante Brown

€150K

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 €200K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Santiago GaunaClub Almirante Brown

€150K-1.00

Fair value

Tiago CraveroCA San Miguel

€200K0.00

Fair value

Player	Market Value	Position Median	Z-Score	Assessment
Santiago Gauna Club Almirante Brown	€150K	€200K	-1.00	Good Value
Tiago Cravero CA San Miguel	€200K	€200K	0.00	Fair Value

How We Rank Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders

Our Analytical Strength Score is calibrated specifically for young defensive midfielders, using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).

Scoring Components for CDM

Historical Achievement Index (35%)

Peak career market value for Liga Argentina young defensive midfielders, reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.

Current Performance Proxy (30%)

Present market value for Liga Argentina young defensive midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.

Playing Time Utilization (18%)

Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.

Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)

Midfielders peak at 26-27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.

Competition Level Adjustment (3%)

Liga Argentina competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.

Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)

Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.

CDM Performance Benchmarks

Peak Age: 26-27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)

Decline Rate: 6.0% per year (technical skills age better than physical attributes)

Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)

1-Year Market Value Forecast

Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:

• Age Factor: Midfielder -6.0%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak

• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%

• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)

• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval

Research Foundation

• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young defensive midfielders

• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues

• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation

• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season

Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Argentina in 2024-25?

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Argentina in 2024-25 is Tiago Cravero, who is worth €200K and plays for CA San Miguel. The second most valuable is Santiago Gauna (€150K, Club Almirante Brown). Our database tracks 2 Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2024-25 season.

How are Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?

Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Score, which is specifically calibrated for Young Defensive Midfielders. The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for Liga Argentina competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.

What age do Young Defensive Midfielders peak?

Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27, with a decline rate of 6.0% per year after peak. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.

How much does it cost to sign a top young defensive midfielder from the Liga Argentina?

Transfer fees for Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young defensive midfielder Tiago Cravero (market value: €200K), estimated transfer fees would range from €160K to €280K depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual Liga Argentina transactions.

What is the value forecast for Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders?

Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Argentina Young Defensive Midfielders based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility—midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.

Where does the Liga Argentina young defensive midfielder data come from?

Our Liga Argentina young defensive midfielder data is sourced from APE Global Capital's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official Liga Argentina sources and updated monthly for the 2024-25 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.