Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga MX
12 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga MX (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 12 Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 10 clubs with a combined market value of €21.2M. The average market value for Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders was €1.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga MX was Elías Montiel, worth €5.0M and played for CF Pachuca at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €3.2M in market value, including Fidel Ambríz and Denzell García.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Elías Montiel (20 years, CF Pachuca, €5.0M), while the oldest was Fidel Ambríz (23 years, CF Monterrey, €4.5M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 12 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 MX market for Young Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2023-24 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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 10 clubs with €21.2M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders
The Liga MX CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (10 players, 83% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €15.8M, averaging €1.6M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Defensive Midfielders (17% of players) control €9.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 8% of the Liga MX CDM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders
Among 10 Liga MX clubs, CF Pachuca leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €5.0M (averaging €5.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
CF Pachuca (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
CF Monterrey (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Querétaro FC (3 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Juárez (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Elías Montiel
CF Pachuca • 20 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.0M
51.7
Fidel Ambríz
CF Monterrey • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.7
Denzell García
FC Juárez • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
42.5
Víctor Ríos
Atlas Guadalajara • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
37.4
Santiago Homenchenko
Querétaro FC • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.7
Bernardo Parra
Querétaro FC • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.3
Salvador Mariscal
Santos Laguna • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.3
Danny Leyva
Club Necaxa • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.0
Ariel Gamarra
Puebla FC • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.2
Víctor Arteaga
Deportivo Toluca • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €551K
19.8
César Garza
UNAM Pumas • 20 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €476K
16.1
Waldo Madrid
Querétaro FC • 22 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €165K
4.5
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)
CF Monterrey's Fidel Ambríz at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 3.00×. That means Fidel Ambríz is valued 3.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Juárez's Denzell García, who is 22 years old, with a 2.00× PPVE. Third is Víctor Ríos of Atlas Guadalajara, who is 22 years old with a 1.33× 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 3.00× means the player is worth 200% 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 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.5M | 3.00× |
| #2 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00× |
| #3 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #4 | Bernardo Parra Querétaro FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #5 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.5M | 0.80× |
| #8 | Danny Leyva Club Necaxa | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.67× |
| #9 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.5M | 0.33× |
| #10 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.5M | 0.33× |
| #11 | Waldo Madrid Querétaro FC | 22 | 21-23 | €150K | €1.5M | 0.10× |
| #12 | César Garza UNAM Pumas | 20 | U21 | €400K | €5.0M | 0.08× |
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)
UNAM Pumas's César Garza at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means César Garza is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is CF Pachuca's Elías Montiel, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Bernardo Parra of Querétaro FC, who is 21 years old with a +35% 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 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 | César Garza UNAM Pumas | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #2 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #3 | Bernardo Parra Querétaro FC | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #4 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 22 | 4 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #5 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #6 | Waldo Madrid Querétaro FC | 22 | 4 | €150K | €216K | +30% |
| #7 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #8 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #9 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 23 | 3 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #10 | Danny Leyva Club Necaxa | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #11 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 23 | 3 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #12 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 23 | 3 | €4.5M | €6.0M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
CF Pachuca's Elías Montiel has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Elías Montiel has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is UNAM Pumas's César Garza with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Bernardo Parra of Querétaro 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 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 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | César Garza UNAM Pumas | €476K | €411K-542K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Bernardo Parra Querétaro FC | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #5 | Denzell García FC Juárez | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.7M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #6 | Waldo Madrid Querétaro FC | €165K | €146K-185K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #7 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €551K | €485K-617K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #8 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #9 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €529K | €466K-593K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #12 | Danny Leyva Club Necaxa | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +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
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)
CF Pachuca's Elías Montiel in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +8.7%. That means Elías Montiel captures 25.4% of total market value while representing only 16.7% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is UNAM Pumas's César Garza with a +8.7% ASC (25.4% value share vs 16.7% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Waldo Madrid of Querétaro FC with a +-8.7% ASC (74.6% value vs 83.3% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +8.7% ASC means the player captures 8.7% 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 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | U21 | 25.4% | 16.7% | +8.7% |
| #2 | César Garza UNAM Pumas | U21 | 25.4% | 16.7% | +8.7% |
| #3 | Waldo Madrid Querétaro FC | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #4 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #5 | Bernardo Parra Querétaro FC | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #6 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #7 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #8 | Danny Leyva Club Necaxa | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #9 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #10 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #11 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
| #12 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 21-23 | 74.6% | 83.3% | -8.7% |
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, 10 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 €5.0M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Waldo Madrid Querétaro FC | €150K | €1.5M | -0.90 | Good Value |
Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €500K | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €500K | €1.5M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Danny Leyva Club Necaxa | €1.0M | €1.5M | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | €1.2M | €1.5M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Bernardo Parra Querétaro FC | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.0M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
César Garza UNAM Pumas | €400K | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | €1.5M | €1.5M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | €2.0M | €1.5M | +0.33 | Fair Value |
Denzell García FC Juárez | €3.0M | €1.5M | +1.00 | Above Market |
Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €4.5M | €1.5M | +2.00 | Premium |