Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2
10 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 (Oct 2026)
10 players tracked across 8 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
José Sampaio
FC Vizela • 21 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €609K
21.6
Emanuel Fernandes
CD Feirense • 23 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €534K
21.4
Afonso Silva
FC Felgueiras 1932 • 22 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €558K
20.9
Lourenço
Leixões SC • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €507K
19.8
Kauan
FC Paços de Ferreira • 23 years old
€303K
€350K
+15.6%
Expected: €340K
15.7
Marlon Júnior
Portimonense SAD • 21 years old
€281K
€325K
+15.6%
14.0
Jarleysom
Portimonense SAD • 22 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
13.4
Bruno Faria
Lusitânia FC Lourosa • 22 years old
€238K
€275K
+15.6%
12.3
M. Junior
UD Santarém • 23 years old
€169K
€195K
+15.6%
8.1
Dário
FC Felgueiras 1932 • 22 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
6.7
José Sampaio
FC Vizela · 21 years old
21.6
ASI
Current Value
€600K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€525K - €693K
Emanuel Fernandes
CD Feirense · 23 years old
21.4
ASI
Current Value
€550K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€470K - €598K
Afonso Silva
FC Felgueiras 1932 · 22 years old
20.9
ASI
Current Value
€550K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€491K - €625K
Lourenço
Leixões SC · 22 years old
19.8
ASI
Current Value
€500K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€446K - €568K
Kauan
FC Paços de Ferreira · 23 years old
15.7
ASI
Current Value
€350K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€299K - €380K
Marlon Júnior
Portimonense SAD · 21 years old
14.0
ASI
Current Value
€325K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Jarleysom
Portimonense SAD · 22 years old
13.4
ASI
Current Value
€300K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Bruno Faria
Lusitânia FC Lourosa · 22 years old
12.3
ASI
Current Value
€275K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
M. Junior
UD Santarém · 23 years old
8.1
ASI
Current Value
€195K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Dário
FC Felgueiras 1932 · 22 years old
6.7
ASI
Current Value
€175K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Market Overview: Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 10 Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs as of October 2026, representing 8 clubs with a combined market value of €3.8M. The average market value for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs is €382K, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Liga Portugal 2 is José Sampaio, worth €600K and playing for FC Vizela at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €510K in market value, including Emanuel Fernandes and Afonso Silva.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is José Sampaio (21 years, FC Vizela, €600K), while the oldest is Emanuel Fernandes (23 years, CD Feirense, €550K). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 7 Young Centre-Backs (70%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Liga Portugal 2 market for Young Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal 2
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 8 clubs with €3.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs
The Liga Portugal 2 CB market shows 1 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (10 players, 100% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €3.8M, averaging €382K per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €600K
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Portugal 2 CB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs
Among 8 Liga Portugal 2 clubs, FC Felgueiras 1932 leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €725K (averaging €363K per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
FC Felgueiras 1932 (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Portimonense SAD (2 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Vizela (1 Young Centre-Backs)
CD Feirense (1 Young Centre-Backs)
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)
FC Vizela's José Sampaio at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.71×. That means José Sampaio is valued 1.71× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is CD Feirense's Emanuel Fernandes, who is 23 years old, with a 1.57× PPVE. Third is Afonso Silva of FC Felgueiras 1932, who is 22 years old with a 1.57× 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 1.71× means the player is worth 71% 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 | José Sampaio FC Vizela | 21 | 21-23 | €600K | €350K | 1.71x |
| #2 | Emanuel Fernandes CD Feirense | 23 | 21-23 | €550K | €350K | 1.57x |
| #3 | Afonso Silva FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 21-23 | €550K | €350K | 1.57x |
| #4 | Lourenço Leixões SC | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €350K | 1.43x |
| #5 | Kauan FC Paços de Ferreira | 23 | 21-23 | €350K | €350K | 1.00x |
| #6 | Marlon Júnior Portimonense SAD | 21 | 21-23 | €325K | €350K | 0.93x |
| #7 | Jarleysom Portimonense SAD | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €350K | 0.86x |
| #8 | Bruno Faria Lusitânia FC Lourosa | 22 | 21-23 | €275K | €350K | 0.79x |
| #9 | M. Junior UD Santarém | 23 | 21-23 | €195K | €350K | 0.56x |
| #10 | Dário FC Felgueiras 1932 | 22 | 21-23 | €175K | €350K | 0.50x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
Unlock Roster Pressure Index for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
Unlock Peer Z-Score analysis for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs.
Upgrade to FanIf you were Liga Portugal 2's sporting director, who would you sign?
Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.
How We Rank Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young centre-backs, 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 CB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal 2 young centre-backs, 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 Portugal 2 young centre-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Liga Portugal 2 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.
CB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 28: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• 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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young centre-backs
• 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 Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Young Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 right now?
The most valuable young centre-back in the Liga Portugal 2 today is José Sampaio, who is worth €600K and plays for FC Vizela. The second most valuable is Emanuel Fernandes (€550K, CD Feirense), followed by Afonso Silva (€550K, FC Felgueiras 1932). Our database tracks 10 Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs ranked?
Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Centre-Backs. 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 Portugal 2 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 Centre-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young centre-back from the Liga Portugal 2?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young centre-back José Sampaio (market value: €600K), estimated transfer fees would range from €480K to €840K 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 Portugal 2 transactions.
What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 2 Young Centre-Backs based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), 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-defenders have ±10% 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 Portugal 2 young centre-back data come from?
Our Liga Portugal 2 young centre-back data is sourced from Football Analytics AI'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 Portugal 2 sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.