Best U23 Young Players in the Liga MX
81 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Players in the Liga MX (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga MX Young Players 2024-25
Our database tracked 80 Liga MX Young Players in the 2024-25 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €134.0M. The average market value for Liga MX Young Players was €1.7M, with the average age at 22.1 years old.
The most valuable young player in the Liga MX was Efraín Álvarez, worth €6.5M and played for Deportivo Guadalajara at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Players averaged €5.2M in market value, including Fidel Ambríz and Elías Montiel.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young player was Edison Gruezo (18 years, Querétaro FC, €300K), while the oldest was Efraín Álvarez (23 years, Deportivo Guadalajara, €6.5M). Research shows Young Players typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 80 Young Players (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 MX market for Young Players 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 Liga MX
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga MX Young Players. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 18 clubs with €134.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga MX Young Players
The Liga MX ALL market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (72 players, 90% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €118.0M, averaging €1.6M per player.
Top Young Players by Age Bracket
U21 Years (8 players)
21-23 Years (72 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 8 Young Players (10% of players) control €38.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 4% of the Liga MX ALL pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga MX Young Players
Among 18 Liga MX clubs, Deportivo Guadalajara leads with 9 Young Players worth €24.3M (averaging €2.7M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 66% of tracked Young Players.
Deportivo Guadalajara (9 Young Players)
Club Necaxa (7 Young Players)
CF Pachuca (5 Young Players)
CD Cruz Azul (5 Young Players)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Efraín Álvarez
Deportivo Guadalajara • 23 years old
€5.6M
€6.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.0M
56.1
Fidel Ambríz
CF Monterrey • 23 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
53.0
Elías Montiel
CF Pachuca • 20 years old
€4.8M
€5.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.5M
53.0
José Caicedo
UNAM Pumas • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.7
Omar Campos
CD Cruz Azul • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Santiago Simón
Deportivo Toluca • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Johan Rojas
Club Necaxa • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Bryan González
Deportivo Guadalajara • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Cade Cowell
Deportivo Guadalajara • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.5
Isaías Violante
CF América • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
49.5
Eduardo Águila
Atlético de San Luis • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.4
Iker Fimbres
CF Monterrey • 20 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.6M
48.2
Luka Romero
CD Cruz Azul • 21 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
47.2
Ralph Orquin
CF América • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Diego González
Atlas Guadalajara • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.9
Alán Bautista
CF Pachuca • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.8
Denzell García
FC Juárez • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
42.5
Dagoberto Espinoza
CF América • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Armando González
Deportivo Guadalajara • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Andrés Montaño
CD Cruz Azul • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
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)
Deportivo Guadalajara's Efraín Álvarez at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 6.50×. That means Efraín Álvarez is valued 6.50× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is CF Monterrey's Fidel Ambríz, who is 23 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Santiago Simón of Deportivo Toluca, who is 23 years old with a 4.50× 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 6.50× means the player is worth 550% 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 | Efraín Álvarez Deportivo Guadalajara | 23 | 21-23 | €6.5M | €1.0M | 6.50× |
| #2 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 23 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | Santiago Simón Deportivo Toluca | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #4 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #5 | Omar Campos CD Cruz Azul | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #6 | Cade Cowell Deportivo Guadalajara | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #7 | Isaías Violante CF América | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #8 | Bryan González Deportivo Guadalajara | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #9 | Johan Rojas Club Necaxa | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #10 | Eduardo Águila Atlético de San Luis | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.0M | 3.50× |
| #11 | Luka Romero CD Cruz Azul | 21 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.0M | 3.50× |
| #12 | Ralph Orquin CF América | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #13 | Alán Bautista CF Pachuca | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #14 | Diego González Atlas Guadalajara | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #15 | Dagoberto Espinoza CF América | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #16 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #17 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | U21 | €5.5M | €2.0M | 2.75× |
| #18 | Armando González Deportivo Guadalajara | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #19 | Ronaldo Nájera Atlético de San Luis | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #20 | Anderson Duarte Mazatlán FC | 22 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
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)
CD Cruz Azul's Emmanuel Ochoa at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Pablo Lara is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is UNAM Pumas's Pablo Lara, who is 20 years old, with a +48% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Edison Gruezo of Querétaro FC, who is 18 years old with a +44% RPP (8 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 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% 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 | Emmanuel Ochoa CD Cruz Azul | 20 | 6 | €500K | €961K | +48% |
| #2 | Pablo Lara UNAM Pumas | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.9M | +48% |
| #3 | Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | 18 | 8 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #4 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | 6 | €5.5M | €9.1M | +40% |
| #5 | José Eulogio CF Pachuca | 22 | 4 | €200K | €332K | +40% |
| #6 | Hugo Camberos Deportivo Guadalajara | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #7 | Iker Fimbres CF Monterrey | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.2M | +35% |
| #8 | Yael Padilla Deportivo Guadalajara | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #9 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #10 | José Pachuca Puebla FC | 20 | 6 | €200K | €309K | +35% |
| #11 | Eduardo García Deportivo Guadalajara | 23 | 3 | €800K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #12 | Yan Phillipe Atlético de San Luis | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #13 | Ramiro Árciga Club Tijuana | 21 | 5 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #14 | Jonantán Villal Atlético de San Luis | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #15 | Ángel Rico UNAM Pumas | 21 | 5 | €700K | €1.0M | +30% |
| #16 | Everardo del Villar Deportivo Toluca | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #17 | Román Torres Atlético de San Luis | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #18 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 22 | 4 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #19 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #20 | Rogelio Cortéz Club Necaxa | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
CD Cruz Azul's Emmanuel Ochoa has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 118.5. That means Pablo Lara has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is UNAM Pumas's Pablo Lara with a 118.5 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is José Eulogio of CF Pachuca with a 100.1 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 118.5 means the upside is 118.5× 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 | Emmanuel Ochoa CD Cruz Azul | €639K | €581K-698K | +28% | 118.5 |
| #2 | Pablo Lara UNAM Pumas | €1.3M | €1.2M-1.4M | +28% | 118.5 |
| #3 | José Eulogio CF Pachuca | €238K | €219K-257K | +19% | 100.1 |
| #4 | Eduardo García Deportivo Guadalajara | €917K | €844K-991K | +15% | 79.9 |
| #5 | Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | €370K | €319K-422K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €6.5M | €5.6M-7.5M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Hugo Camberos Deportivo Guadalajara | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Yael Padilla Deportivo Guadalajara | €2.3M | €2.0M-2.6M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #10 | José Pachuca Puebla FC | €229K | €198K-261K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #11 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #12 | Denzell García FC Juárez | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.7M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #13 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €551K | €485K-617K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #14 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | €1.1M | €970K-1.2M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #15 | Iker Fimbres CF Monterrey | €4.6M | €3.8M-5.4M | +15% | 37.1 |
| #16 | Alexéi Domínguez CF Pachuca | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #17 | Luka Romero CD Cruz Azul | €3.9M | €3.3M-4.4M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #18 | Rogelio Cortéz Club Necaxa | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #19 | Tony Leone CF Monterrey | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #20 | Ramiro Árciga Club Tijuana | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 33.7 |
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 player 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)
Tigres UANL's Leonardo Flores in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-1.9%. That means Efraín Álvarez captures 88.1% of total market value while representing only 90.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is CF América's Miguel Vázquez with a +-1.9% ASC (88.1% value share vs 90.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is David Osuna of Club Tijuana with a +-1.9% ASC (88.1% value vs 90.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-1.9% ASC means the player captures -1.9% 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 | Leonardo Flores Tigres UANL | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #2 | Miguel Vázquez CF América | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #3 | David Osuna Club Tijuana | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #4 | Valentín Gauthier Club León FC | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #5 | Eduardo Águila Atlético de San Luis | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #6 | Ralph Orquin CF América | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #7 | Rogelio Cortéz Club Necaxa | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #8 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #9 | Yan Phillipe Atlético de San Luis | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #10 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #11 | Ramiro Franco Club Tijuana | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #12 | Sebastián Santos Club León FC | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #13 | Jorge Berlanga CF Pachuca | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #14 | Miguel Rodríguez Club León FC | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #15 | Pablo Monroy UNAM Pumas | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #16 | Ramiro Árciga Club Tijuana | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #17 | Omar Moreno Mazatlán FC | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #18 | Emmanuel Echeverría Santos Laguna | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #19 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
| #20 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21-23 | 88.1% | 90.0% | -1.9% |
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: 6 immediate targets, 74 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, 3 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €5.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | €200K | €1.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
José Eulogio CF Pachuca | €200K | €1.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Cristian Jiménez CD Cruz Azul | €200K | €1.0M | -0.40 | Fair Value |
José Pachuca Puebla FC | €200K | €1.0M | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Miguel Vázquez CF América | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
David Osuna Club Tijuana | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Omar Moreno Mazatlán FC | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Víctor López Querétaro FC | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Juan Robles Querétaro FC | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Tony Leone CF Monterrey | €300K | €1.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Edison Gruezo Querétaro FC | €300K | €1.0M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Leonardo Flores Tigres UANL | €400K | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Alek Álvarez Deportivo Toluca | €400K | €1.0M | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Gabriel Martínez Atlético de San Luis | €450K | €1.0M | -0.28 | Fair Value |
Ramiro Franco Club Tijuana | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Jesús Hernández Querétaro FC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Jesús Alcántar Club Necaxa | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |