Best U23 Young Midfielders in the Liga Argentina
23 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Midfielders in the Liga Argentina (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Liga Argentina Young Midfielders 2022-23
Our database tracked 23 Liga Argentina Young Midfielders in the 2022-23 season, representing 17 clubs with a combined market value of €26.5M. The average market value for Liga Argentina Young Midfielders was €1.2M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the Liga Argentina was Juan Ignacio Nardoni, worth €10.0M and played for Racing Club at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders averaged €4.0M in market value, including Jabes Saralegui and César Pérez.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young midfielder was Lionel Verde (21 years, CA Unión (Santa Fe), €700K), while the oldest was Juan Ignacio Nardoni (23 years, Racing Club, €10.0M). 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 Liga Argentina market for Young Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 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 Liga Argentina
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Argentina Young Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 17 clubs with €26.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Argentina Young Midfielders
The Liga Argentina CM market shows 1 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (23 players, 100% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €26.5M, averaging €1.2M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (23 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Midfielders (13% of players) control €16.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 4% of the Liga Argentina CM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Argentina Young Midfielders
Among 17 Liga Argentina clubs, Racing Club leads with 1 Young Midfielders worth €10.0M (averaging €10.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 70% of tracked Young Midfielders.
Racing Club (1 Young Midfielders)
Club Atlético Tigre (3 Young Midfielders)
Defensa y Justicia (2 Young Midfielders)
Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza (2 Young Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Juan Ignacio Nardoni
Racing Club • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.7M
61.5
Jabes Saralegui
Club Atlético Tigre • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
César Pérez
Defensa y Justicia • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Santiago González
Club Atlético Tigre • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Tomás O'Connor
Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza • 22 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
31.9
Lionel Verde
CA Unión (Santa Fe) • 21 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €772K
23.6
Mateo Cáceres
CA Talleres • 23 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €589K
21.8
Gino Infantino
AA Argentinos Juniors • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Mauricio Cardillo
CA San Lorenzo de Almagro • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Santiago Esquivel
CA Banfield • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.0
Tobías Leiva
AA Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.0
Santiago Sosa
Defensa y Justicia • 21 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €551K
19.4
Julián Ceballos
Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza • 21 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €496K
18.1
Simón Rivero
Club Atlético Tigre • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €428K
17.8
Maximiliano Meléndez
CA Chacarita Juniors • 22 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.2
Pablo Furtado
AMSD Atlético de Rafaela • 22 years old
€303K
€350K
+15.6%
Expected: €370K
15.6
David Sotelo
CA Newell's Old Boys • 22 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €265K
11.4
Pablo Ferreira
Club Atlético Platense • 21 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €276K
10.8
Lautaro Villegas
CA Banfield • 22 years old
€195K
€225K
+15.6%
Expected: €238K
10.1
Tomás Castro
Club Atlético Belgrano • 23 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
Expected: €187K
7.5
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)
Racing Club's Juan Ignacio Nardoni at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 20.00×. That means Juan Ignacio Nardoni is valued 20.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Club Atlético Tigre's Jabes Saralegui, who is 23 years old, with a 6.00× PPVE. Third is César Pérez of Defensa y Justicia, who is 23 years old with a 6.00× 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 20.00× means the player is worth 1900% 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 | Juan Ignacio Nardoni Racing Club | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €500K | 20.00× |
| #2 | Jabes Saralegui Club Atlético Tigre | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €500K | 6.00× |
| #3 | César Pérez Defensa y Justicia | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €500K | 6.00× |
| #4 | Santiago González Club Atlético Tigre | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €500K | 5.00× |
| #5 | Tomás O'Connor Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 22 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €500K | 2.60× |
| #6 | Lionel Verde CA Unión (Santa Fe) | 21 | 21-23 | €700K | €500K | 1.40× |
| #7 | Mateo Cáceres CA Talleres | 23 | 21-23 | €550K | €500K | 1.10× |
| #8 | Mauricio Cardillo CA San Lorenzo de Almagro | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #9 | Tobías Leiva AA Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #10 | Santiago Sosa Defensa y Justicia | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #11 | Santiago Esquivel CA Banfield | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #12 | Gino Infantino AA Argentinos Juniors | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #13 | Julián Ceballos Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 21 | 21-23 | €450K | €500K | 0.90× |
| #14 | Maximiliano Meléndez CA Chacarita Juniors | 22 | 21-23 | €400K | €500K | 0.80× |
| #15 | Simón Rivero Club Atlético Tigre | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €500K | 0.80× |
| #16 | Pablo Furtado AMSD Atlético de Rafaela | 22 | 21-23 | €350K | €500K | 0.70× |
| #17 | Pablo Ferreira Club Atlético Platense | 21 | 21-23 | €250K | €500K | 0.50× |
| #18 | David Sotelo CA Newell's Old Boys | 22 | 21-23 | €250K | €500K | 0.50× |
| #19 | Lautaro Villegas CA Banfield | 22 | 21-23 | €225K | €500K | 0.45× |
| #20 | Tomás Castro Club Atlético Belgrano | 23 | 21-23 | €175K | €500K | 0.35× |
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 Atlético Platense's Pablo Ferreira at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +30%. That means Lionel Verde is projected to appreciate 30% as they reach their peak age in 5 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is CA Unión (Santa Fe)'s Lionel Verde, who is 21 years old, with a +30% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Santiago Sosa of Defensa y Justicia, 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 30% RPP means the player is expected to gain 30% 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 | Pablo Ferreira Club Atlético Platense | 21 | 5 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #2 | Lionel Verde CA Unión (Santa Fe) | 21 | 5 | €700K | €1.0M | +30% |
| #3 | Santiago Sosa Defensa y Justicia | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #4 | Julián Ceballos Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 21 | 5 | €450K | €647K | +30% |
| #5 | Pablo Furtado AMSD Atlético de Rafaela | 22 | 4 | €350K | €468K | +25% |
| #6 | Juan Cardozo AA Argentinos Juniors | 22 | 4 | €175K | €234K | +25% |
| #7 | David Sotelo CA Newell's Old Boys | 22 | 4 | €250K | €334K | +25% |
| #8 | Tobías Leiva AA Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #9 | Braian Aranda CA Agropecuario | 22 | 4 | €150K | €201K | +25% |
| #10 | Tomás Guiacobini CA Sarmiento (Junin) | 22 | 4 | €150K | €201K | +25% |
| #11 | Santiago Esquivel CA Banfield | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #12 | Tomás O'Connor Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 22 | 4 | €1.3M | €1.7M | +25% |
| #13 | Maximiliano Meléndez CA Chacarita Juniors | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #14 | Lautaro Villegas CA Banfield | 22 | 4 | €225K | €301K | +25% |
| #15 | Tomás Castro Club Atlético Belgrano | 23 | 3 | €175K | €218K | +20% |
| #16 | Jabes Saralegui Club Atlético Tigre | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #17 | César Pérez Defensa y Justicia | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €3.7M | +20% |
| #18 | Santiago González Club Atlético Tigre | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #19 | Juan Ignacio Nardoni Racing Club | 23 | 3 | €10.0M | €12.4M | +20% |
| #20 | Mauricio Cardillo CA San Lorenzo de Almagro | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
CA Unión (Santa Fe)'s Lionel Verde has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 33.7. That means Lionel Verde has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Club Atlético Platense's Pablo Ferreira with a 33.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Santiago Sosa of Defensa y Justicia 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 33.7 means the upside is 33.7× 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 | Lionel Verde CA Unión (Santa Fe) | €772K | €665K-878K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #2 | Pablo Ferreira Club Atlético Platense | €276K | €238K-314K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #3 | Santiago Sosa Defensa y Justicia | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #4 | Julián Ceballos Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | €496K | €428K-565K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Mauricio Cardillo CA San Lorenzo de Almagro | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #6 | Gino Infantino AA Argentinos Juniors | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Santiago González Club Atlético Tigre | €2.7M | €2.4M-3.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Juan Ignacio Nardoni Racing Club | €10.7M | €9.4M-12.0M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Mateo Cáceres CA Talleres | €589K | €518K-660K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Tomás Castro Club Atlético Belgrano | €187K | €165K-210K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Jabes Saralegui Club Atlético Tigre | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | César Pérez Defensa y Justicia | €3.2M | €2.8M-3.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Simón Rivero Club Atlético Tigre | €428K | €377K-480K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Braian Aranda CA Agropecuario | €159K | €140K-178K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Tomás Guiacobini CA Sarmiento (Junin) | €159K | €140K-178K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Pablo Furtado AMSD Atlético de Rafaela | €370K | €326K-415K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Juan Cardozo AA Argentinos Juniors | €185K | €163K-207K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | David Sotelo CA Newell's Old Boys | €265K | €233K-296K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Tobías Leiva AA Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) | €529K | €466K-593K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Santiago Esquivel CA Banfield | €529K | €466K-593K | +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)
Club Atlético Platense's Pablo Ferreira in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +0.0%. That means Juan Ignacio Nardoni captures 100.0% of total market value while representing only 100.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza's Tomás O'Connor with a +0.0% ASC (100.0% value share vs 100.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is David Sotelo of CA Newell's Old Boys with a +0.0% ASC (100.0% value vs 100.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +0.0% ASC means the player captures 0.0% 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 | Pablo Ferreira Club Atlético Platense | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #2 | Tomás O'Connor Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #3 | David Sotelo CA Newell's Old Boys | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #4 | Mauricio Cardillo CA San Lorenzo de Almagro | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #5 | Tomás Castro Club Atlético Belgrano | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #6 | Julián Ceballos Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #7 | Lionel Verde CA Unión (Santa Fe) | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #8 | Jabes Saralegui Club Atlético Tigre | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #9 | Tobías Leiva AA Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #10 | Maximiliano Meléndez CA Chacarita Juniors | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #11 | Santiago González Club Atlético Tigre | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #12 | Braian Aranda CA Agropecuario | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #13 | Santiago Sosa Defensa y Justicia | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #14 | Tomás Guiacobini CA Sarmiento (Junin) | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #15 | Santiago Esquivel CA Banfield | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #16 | César Pérez Defensa y Justicia | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #17 | Juan Ignacio Nardoni Racing Club | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #18 | Gino Infantino AA Argentinos Juniors | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #19 | Lautaro Villegas CA Banfield | 21-23 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| #20 | Pablo Furtado AMSD Atlético de Rafaela | 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, 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 €10.0M. 0 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Braian Aranda CA Agropecuario | €150K | €500K | -1.17 | Good Value |
Tomás Guiacobini CA Sarmiento (Junin) | €150K | €500K | -1.17 | Good Value |
Tomás Castro Club Atlético Belgrano | €175K | €500K | -1.08 | Good Value |
Juan Cardozo AA Argentinos Juniors | €175K | €500K | -1.08 | Good Value |
Lautaro Villegas CA Banfield | €225K | €500K | -0.92 | Good Value |
Pablo Ferreira Club Atlético Platense | €250K | €500K | -0.83 | Good Value |
David Sotelo CA Newell's Old Boys | €250K | €500K | -0.83 | Good Value |
Pablo Furtado AMSD Atlético de Rafaela | €350K | €500K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Maximiliano Meléndez CA Chacarita Juniors | €400K | €500K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Simón Rivero Club Atlético Tigre | €400K | €500K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Julián Ceballos Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | €450K | €500K | -0.17 | Fair Value |
Mauricio Cardillo CA San Lorenzo de Almagro | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tobías Leiva AA Estudiantes (Río Cuarto) | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Santiago Sosa Defensa y Justicia | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Santiago Esquivel CA Banfield | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Juan Ignacio Nardoni Racing Club | €10.0M | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Gino Infantino AA Argentinos Juniors | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Mateo Cáceres CA Talleres | €550K | €500K | +0.17 | Fair Value |
Lionel Verde CA Unión (Santa Fe) | €700K | €500K | +0.67 | Above Market |
Tomás O'Connor Gimnasia y Esgrima de Mendoza | €1.3M | €500K | +2.67 | Premium |