Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga MX
11 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga MX (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders 2026-27
Our database tracked 11 Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 10 clubs with a combined market value of €23.7M. The average market value for Liga MX Young Defensive Midfielders was €2.2M, with the average age at 22.2 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga MX was Fidel Ambríz, worth €5.0M and played for CF Monterrey at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €3.9M in market value, including Elías Montiel and José Caicedo.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Elías Montiel (20 years, CF Pachuca, €5.5M), while the oldest was Fidel Ambríz (23 years, CF Monterrey, €5.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 11 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 2026-27 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 €23.7M 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, 91% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €18.2M, averaging €1.8M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Defensive Midfielders (18% of players) control €10.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 18% 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 €5.5M (averaging €5.5M 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)
UNAM Pumas (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Juárez (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
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
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
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.7
Salvador Mariscal
Santos Laguna • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.3
Santiago Homenchenko
Querétaro FC • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Bernardo Parra
Tigres UANL • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.2
Víctor Arteaga
Deportivo Toluca • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €551K
19.8
Ariel Gamarra
Puebla FC • 23 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €318K
13.7
Eugenio Pizzuto
Tigres UANL • 23 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €212K
8.6
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)
CF Monterrey's Fidel Ambríz at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.17×. That means Fidel Ambríz is valued 4.17× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is UNAM Pumas's José Caicedo, who is 23 years old, with a 3.75× PPVE. Third is Denzell García of FC Juárez, who is 22 years old with a 2.50× 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 4.17× means the player is worth 317% 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 | €5.0M | €1.2M | 4.17× |
| #2 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.2M | 3.75× |
| #3 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.2M | 2.50× |
| #4 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.2M | 1.25× |
| #5 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | U21 | €5.5M | €5.5M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.83× |
| #8 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.83× |
| #9 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.2M | 0.42× |
| #10 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 23 | 21-23 | €300K | €1.2M | 0.25× |
| #11 | Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | 23 | 21-23 | €200K | €1.2M | 0.17× |
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)
CF Pachuca's Elías Montiel at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Elías Montiel is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Tigres UANL's Bernardo Parra, who is 21 years old, with a +35% RPP (5 years to peak). Third is Víctor Arteaga of Deportivo Toluca, who is 22 years old with a +30% RPP (4 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 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | 6 | €5.5M | €9.1M | +40% |
| #2 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #3 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 22 | 4 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #4 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #5 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #6 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #7 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 23 | 3 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #8 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 23 | 3 | €300K | €401K | +25% |
| #9 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 23 | 3 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #10 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | 23 | 3 | €4.5M | €6.0M | +25% |
| #11 | Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | 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)
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 Tigres UANL's Bernardo Parra with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Víctor Ríos of Atlas Guadalajara with a 38.7 RAU (10% 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 | €6.5M | €5.6M-7.5M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.9M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #4 | Denzell García FC Juárez | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.7M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #5 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €551K | €485K-617K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #6 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | €1.1M | €970K-1.2M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #7 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €318K | €279K-356K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #8 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #9 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | €212K | €186K-237K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #11 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €5.3M | €4.7M-5.9M | +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 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)
Puebla FC's Ariel Gamarra in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-14.1%. That means Fidel Ambríz captures 76.8% of total market value while representing only 90.9% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is Tigres UANL's Bernardo Parra with a +-14.1% ASC (76.8% value share vs 90.9% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Víctor Arteaga of Deportivo Toluca with a +-14.1% ASC (76.8% value vs 90.9% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-14.1% ASC means the player captures -14.1% 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 | Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #2 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #3 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #4 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #5 | José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #6 | Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #7 | Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #8 | Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #9 | Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #10 | Denzell García FC Juárez | 21-23 | 76.8% | 90.9% | -14.1% |
| #11 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | U21 | 23.2% | 9.1% | +14.1% |
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, 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, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Eugenio Pizzuto Tigres UANL | €200K | €1.2M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Ariel Gamarra Puebla FC | €300K | €1.2M | -0.70 | Good Value |
Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | €500K | €1.2M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.5M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €5.0M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Santiago Homenchenko Querétaro FC | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Salvador Mariscal Santos Laguna | €1.2M | €1.2M | +0.20 | Fair Value |
Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | €1.5M | €1.2M | +0.50 | Fair Value |
Denzell García FC Juárez | €3.0M | €1.2M | +2.00 | Premium |
José Caicedo UNAM Pumas | €4.5M | €1.2M | +3.50 | Premium |