Under 23 · Liga Portugal 2 · 2025-26

Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal 2

4 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal 2 (Apr 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders 2025-26

Our database tracks 4 Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 3 clubs with a combined market value of €5.4M. The average market value for Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders is €1.4M, with the average age at 21.8 years old.

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Portugal 2 is Eduardo Felicíssimo, worth €3.0M and playing for Sporting CP B at 19 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders average €1.4M in market value, including Mateo Tanlongo and Roan Wilson.

Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder is Eduardo Felicíssimo (19 years, Sporting CP B, €3.0M), while the oldest is Roan Wilson (23 years, GD Chaves, €700K). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.

Our 1-year forecast model projects 4 Young Defensive Midfielders (100%) 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 Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 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.

Market Intelligence

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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 3 clubs with €5.4M combined value.

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders

The Liga Portugal 2 CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (3 players, 75% of market). The U21 age group holds the most value at €3.0M, averaging €3.0M per player.

U21 years1 players (25%)

€3.0MAvg: €3.0M

Top player: Eduardo Felicíssimo (€3.0M)

21-23 years3 players (75%)

€2.4MAvg: €800K

Top player: Mateo Tanlongo (€1.3M)

Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket

U21 Years (1 players)

1. Eduardo Felicíssimo(19yo)

€3.0M

21-23 Years (3 players)

1. Mateo Tanlongo(22yo)

€1.3M

2. Roan Wilson(23yo)

€700K

3. Dani Borges(23yo)

€400K

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

56%of market value

The top 1 Young Defensive Midfielders (25% of players) control €3.0M

1. Eduardo Felicíssimo€3.0M

Market Tiers

Emerging (<€5M)4 players (100%)

€5.4M

Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Portugal 2 CDM pool.

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Eduardo Felicíssimo

Sporting CP B€3.0M

2. Mateo Tanlongo

Sporting CP B€1.3M

3. Roan Wilson

GD Chaves€700K

4. Dani Borges

UD Leiria€400K

Club Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders

Among 3 Liga Portugal 2 clubs, Sporting CP B leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €4.3M (averaging €2.1M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.

Sporting CP B

2 players • €4.3M

GD Chaves

1 players • €700K

UD Leiria

1 players • €400K

Sporting CP B (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Eduardo Felicíssimo(19yo)

€3.0M

Mateo Tanlongo(22yo)

€1.3M

GD Chaves (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Roan Wilson(23yo)

€700K

UD Leiria (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Dani Borges(23yo)

€400K

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

Eduardo Felicíssimo

Sporting CP B • 19 years old

€2.6M

€3.0M

+15.6%

€3.2M€4.2M

Expected: €3.7M

41.2

Mateo Tanlongo

Sporting CP B • 22 years old

€1.1M

€1.3M

+15.6%

€1.3M€1.6M

Expected: €1.4M

31.9

Roan Wilson

GD Chaves • 23 years old

€605K

€700K

+15.6%

€652K€830K

Expected: €741K

24.5

Dani Borges

UD Leiria • 23 years old

€346K

€400K

+15.6%

€373K€474K

Expected: €423K

17.4

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)

Sporting CP B's Mateo Tanlongo at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.86×. That means Mateo Tanlongo is valued 1.86× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.

In second is Sporting CP B's Eduardo Felicíssimo, who is 19 years old, with a 1.00× PPVE. Third is Roan Wilson of GD Chaves, who is 23 years old with a 1.00× 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 1.86× means the player is worth 86% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Mateo TanlongoSporting CP B

21-23 • 22yo1.86×

€1.3M • 86% above median

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

U21 • 19yo1.00×

€3.0M • 0% above median

Roan WilsonGD Chaves

21-23 • 23yo1.00×

€700K • 0% above median

Dani BorgesUD Leiria

21-23 • 23yo0.57×

€400K • -43% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Mateo Tanlongo Sporting CP B	22	21-23	€1.3M	€700K	1.86×
#2	Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	19	U21	€3.0M	€3.0M	1.00×
#3	Roan Wilson GD Chaves	23	21-23	€700K	€700K	1.00×
#4	Dani Borges UD Leiria	23	21-23	€400K	€700K	0.57×

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)

Sporting CP B's Eduardo Felicíssimo at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Eduardo Felicíssimo is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.

In second is Sporting CP B's Mateo Tanlongo, who is 22 years old, with a +30% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Roan Wilson of GD Chaves, who is 23 years old with a +25% RPP (3 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.

Recovery Potential by Player

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

7yr to peak+44%

€3.0M → €5.4M

Mateo TanlongoSporting CP B

4yr to peak+30%

€1.3M → €1.9M

Roan WilsonGD Chaves

3yr to peak+25%

€700K → €936K

Dani BorgesUD Leiria

3yr to peak+25%

€400K → €535K

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	19	7	€3.0M	€5.4M	+44%
#2	Mateo Tanlongo Sporting CP B	22	4	€1.3M	€1.9M	+30%
#3	Roan Wilson GD Chaves	23	3	€700K	€936K	+25%
#4	Dani Borges UD Leiria	23	3	€400K	€535K	+25%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Sporting CP B's Eduardo Felicíssimo has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Eduardo Felicíssimo has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.

In second is Sporting CP B's Mateo Tanlongo with a 38.7 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Roan Wilson of GD Chaves with a 23.0 RAU (6% upside, 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €3.2M - €4.2M

Mateo TanlongoSporting CP B

↑10% / ±0%38.7

Range: €1.3M - €1.6M

Roan WilsonGD Chaves

↑6% / ±0%23.0

Range: €652K - €830K

Dani BorgesUD Leiria

↑6% / ±0%23.0

Range: €373K - €474K

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	€3.7M	€3.2M-4.2M	+23%	68.9
#2	Mateo Tanlongo Sporting CP B	€1.4M	€1.3M-1.6M	+10%	38.7
#3	Roan Wilson GD Chaves	€741K	€652K-830K	+6%	23.0
#4	Dani Borges UD Leiria	€423K	€373K-474K	+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 weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

Total Players

-0.00

Avg Z-Score

-0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Eduardo Felicíssimo+1.64

Mateo Tanlongo+-0.05

Roan Wilson+-0.65

Dani Borges+-0.94

Lowest Z-Scores

Dani Borges-0.94

Roan Wilson-0.65

Mateo Tanlongo-0.05

Eduardo Felicíssimo1.64

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

UD Leiria's Dani Borges in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-30.6%. That means Mateo Tanlongo captures 44.4% of total market value while representing only 75.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.

In second is GD Chaves's Roan Wilson with a +-30.6% ASC (44.4% value share vs 75.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Mateo Tanlongo of Sporting CP B with a +-30.6% ASC (44.4% value vs 75.0% players in 21-23 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-30.6% ASC means the player captures -30.6% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.

Value Concentration by Player

Dani BorgesUD Leiria

21-23-30.6%

44.4% value share / 75.0% player share

Roan WilsonGD Chaves

21-23-30.6%

44.4% value share / 75.0% player share

Mateo TanlongoSporting CP B

21-23-30.6%

44.4% value share / 75.0% player share

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

U21+30.6%

55.6% value share / 25.0% player share

Rank	Player	Age Bracket	Value Share	Player Share	ASC
#1	Dani Borges UD Leiria	21-23	44.4%	75.0%	-30.6%
#2	Roan Wilson GD Chaves	21-23	44.4%	75.0%	-30.6%
#3	Mateo Tanlongo Sporting CP B	21-23	44.4%	75.0%	-30.6%
#4	Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	U21	55.6%	25.0%	+30.6%

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, 3 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.

BUY NOW - High Upside

Eduardo Felicíssimo

19yo • Sporting CP B

€3.0M

WATCH LIST - High Upside

No players in this category

BUY NOW - Medium Upside

Mateo Tanlongo

22yo • Sporting CP B

€1.3M

Roan Wilson

23yo • GD Chaves

€700K

Dani Borges

23yo • UD Leiria

€400K

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 €3.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Dani BorgesUD Leiria

€400K-0.33

Fair value

Eduardo FelicíssimoSporting CP B

€3.0M0.00

Fair value

Roan WilsonGD Chaves

€700K0.00

Fair value

Mateo TanlongoSporting CP B

€1.3M+0.67

Fair value

Player	Market Value	Position Median	Z-Score	Assessment
Dani Borges UD Leiria	€400K	€1.3M	-0.33	Fair Value
Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B	€3.0M	€1.3M	0.00	Fair Value
Roan Wilson GD Chaves	€700K	€1.3M	0.00	Fair Value
Mateo Tanlongo Sporting CP B	€1.3M	€1.3M	+0.67	Above Market

How We Rank Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders

Our Analytical Strength Score is calibrated specifically for young defensive midfielders, 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 CDM

Historical Achievement Index (35%)

Peak career market value for Liga Portugal 2 young defensive midfielders, 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 defensive midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.

Playing Time Utilization (18%)

Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.

Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)

Midfielders peak at 26-27 with 6.0%/year decline. 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.

CDM Performance Benchmarks

Peak Age: 26-27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)

Decline Rate: 6.0% per year (technical skills age better than physical attributes)

Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)

1-Year Market Value Forecast

Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:

• Age Factor: Midfielder -6.0%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak

• 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: ±12-15% confidence interval

Research Foundation

• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young defensive midfielders

• 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 Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season

Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2025-26?

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2025-26 is Eduardo Felicíssimo, who is worth €3.0M and plays for Sporting CP B. The second most valuable is Mateo Tanlongo (€1.3M, Sporting CP B), followed by Roan Wilson (€700K, GD Chaves). Our database tracks 4 Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.

How are Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?

Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Score, which is specifically calibrated for Young Defensive Midfielders. 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 Defensive Midfielders peak?

Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27, with a decline rate of 6.0% per year after peak. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.

How much does it cost to sign a top young defensive midfielder from the Liga Portugal 2?

Transfer fees for Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young defensive midfielder Eduardo Felicíssimo (market value: €3.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €2.4M to €4.2M 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 Defensive Midfielders?

Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 2 Young Defensive Midfielders based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), 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—midfielders have ±12-15% 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 defensive midfielder data come from?

Our Liga Portugal 2 young defensive midfielder data is sourced from APE Global Capital'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 for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.