Best U23 Young Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2
3 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 (Jul 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.
Thauan Lara
Portimonense SAD • 22 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.2
Gu Costa
Académico Viseu FC • 20 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €459K
16.0
Afonso Peixoto
SC União Torreense • 23 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €161K
5.6
If 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.
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 Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 3 clubs with €950K combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs
The Liga Portugal 2 LB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (2 players, 67% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €550K, averaging €275K per player.
Top Young Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (1 players)
21-23 Years (2 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Young Left-Backs (33% of players) control €400K
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Liga Portugal 2 LB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs
Among 3 Liga Portugal 2 clubs, Portimonense SAD leads with 1 Young Left-Backs worth €400K (averaging €400K per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Left-Backs.
Portimonense SAD (1 Young Left-Backs)
Académico Viseu FC (1 Young Left-Backs)
SC União Torreense (1 Young Left-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)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.00×. That means Thauan Lara is valued 1.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Thauan Lara, who is 22 years old, with a 1.00× PPVE. Third is Afonso Peixoto of SC União Torreense, who is 23 years old with a 0.37× 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 1.00× means the player is worth 0% 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | 20 | U21 | €400K | €400K | 1.00× |
| #2 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | 22 | 21-23 | €400K | €400K | 1.00× |
| #3 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | 23 | 21-23 | €150K | €400K | 0.37× |
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)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Gu Costa is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Thauan Lara, who is 22 years old, with a +25% RPP (4 years to peak). Third is Afonso Peixoto of SC União Torreense, who is 23 years old with a +20% 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 35% RPP means the player is expected to gain 35% 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #2 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #3 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Gu Costa has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is SC União Torreense's Afonso Peixoto with a 27.5 RAU (7% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Thauan Lara of Portimonense SAD 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 46.3 means the upside is 46.3× 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #3 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | €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 left-back 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)
Académico Viseu FC's Gu Costa in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +8.8%. That means Gu Costa captures 42.1% of total market value while representing only 33.3% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Portimonense SAD's Thauan Lara with a +-8.8% ASC (57.9% value share vs 66.7% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Afonso Peixoto of SC União Torreense with a +-8.8% ASC (57.9% value vs 66.7% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +8.8% ASC means the player captures 8.8% 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 | Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | U21 | 42.1% | 33.3% | +8.8% |
| #2 | Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | 21-23 | 57.9% | 66.7% | -8.8% |
| #3 | Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | 21-23 | 57.9% | 66.7% | -8.8% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 3 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €400K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Afonso Peixoto SC União Torreense | €150K | €400K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gu Costa Académico Viseu FC | €400K | €400K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Thauan Lara Portimonense SAD | €400K | €400K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Market Overview: Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs 2026-27
Our database tracked 3 Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 3 clubs with a combined market value of €950K. The average market value for Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs was €317K, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young left-back in the Liga Portugal 2 was Thauan Lara, worth €400K and played for Portimonense SAD at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Left-Backs averaged €317K in market value, including Gu Costa and Afonso Peixoto.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young left-back was Gu Costa (20 years, Académico Viseu FC, €400K), while the oldest was Afonso Peixoto (23 years, SC União Torreense, €150K). Research shows Young Left-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 3 Young Left-Backs (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 Portugal 2 market for Young Left-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 season.
How We Rank Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young left-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 LB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal 2 young left-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 left-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 27 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.
LB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: 5.0% per year (moderate decline as 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: Defender -5.0%/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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young left-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 Left-Backs in the 2026-27 season
Who are the most valuable Young Left-Backs in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2026-27?
The most valuable young left-back in the Liga Portugal 2 in 2026-27 is Thauan Lara, who is worth €400K and plays for Portimonense SAD. The second most valuable is Gu Costa (€400K, Académico Viseu FC), followed by Afonso Peixoto (€150K, SC União Torreense). Our database tracks 3 Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2026-27 season.
How are Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs ranked?
Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Left-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 Left-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 27, with a decline rate of 5.0% per year after peak. 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 left-back from the Liga Portugal 2?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young left-back Thauan Lara (market value: €400K), estimated transfer fees would range from €320K to €560K 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 Left-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 2 Young Left-Backs 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-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 left-back data come from?
Our Liga Portugal 2 young left-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 for the 2026-27 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.