Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal
24 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Liga Portugal (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Young Centre-Backs 2023-24
Our database tracked 24 Liga Portugal Young Centre-Backs in the 2023-24 season, representing 14 clubs with a combined market value of €168.1M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Young Centre-Backs was €7.0M, with the average age at 22.0 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Liga Portugal was Ousmane Diomande, worth €45.0M and played for Sporting CP at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €29.0M in market value, including Tomás Araújo and António Silva.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Bastien Meupiyou (20 years, FC Alverca, €2.5M), while the oldest was Tomás Araújo (23 years, SL Benfica, €32.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 24 Young Centre-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 market for Young Centre-Backs 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 Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 14 clubs with €168.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Centre-Backs
The Liga Portugal CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (22 players, 92% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €164.6M, averaging €7.5M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (22 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Centre-Backs (13% of players) control €109.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 17% of the Liga Portugal CB pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Centre-Backs
Among 14 Liga Portugal clubs, Sporting CP leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €75.0M (averaging €37.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 83% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Sporting CP (2 Young Centre-Backs)
SL Benfica (2 Young Centre-Backs)
SC Braga (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Rio Ave FC (3 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
86.8
Tomás Araújo
SL Benfica • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
83.2
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
82.6
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
Bright Arrey-Mbi
SC Braga • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.4M
55.1
Andreas Ntoi
Rio Ave FC • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Kévin Boma
GD Estoril Praia • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.3M
50.1
Bastien Meupiyou
FC Alverca • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
38.8
Christian Marques
CD Tondela • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Naves
FC Alverca • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Marvin Elimbi
Gil Vicente FC • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.2
Omar Fayed
FC Arouca • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Michel
Moreirense FC • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Ibrahima Ba
FC Famalicão • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
27.4
Nelson Abbey
Rio Ave FC • 22 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €741K
24.2
Antef Tsoungui
GD Estoril Praia • 23 years old
€562K
€650K
+15.6%
Expected: €696K
23.9
Julien Lomboto
Rio Ave FC • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Antonio Espigares
Gil Vicente FC • 21 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €551K
19.4
Diogo Monteiro
FC Arouca • 21 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €441K
16.6
Steven Baseya
FC Alverca • 21 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €441K
16.6
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)
Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 45.00×. That means Ousmane Diomande is valued 45.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SL Benfica's Tomás Araújo, who is 23 years old, with a 32.00× PPVE. Third is António Silva of SL Benfica, who is 22 years old with a 32.00× 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 45.00× means the player is worth 4400% 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 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €1.0M | 45.00× |
| #2 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.0M | 32.00× |
| #3 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.0M | 32.00× |
| #4 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.0M | 30.00× |
| #5 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.0M | 6.00× |
| #6 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #7 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #8 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Naves FC Alverca | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #10 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #12 | Michel Moreirense FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #13 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €2.5M | 1.00× |
| #14 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €1.0M | 0.70× |
| #15 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 21-23 | €650K | €1.0M | 0.65× |
| #16 | Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #17 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #18 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €2.5M | 0.40× |
| #19 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | 21 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.0M | 0.40× |
| #20 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | 21 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.0M | 0.40× |
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)
FC Famalicão's Ibrahima Ba at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +35%. That means Bastien Meupiyou is projected to appreciate 35% as they reach their peak age in 6 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Alverca's Bastien Meupiyou, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Antonio Espigares of Gil Vicente FC, who is 21 years old with a +30% 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 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 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #2 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €3.9M | +35% |
| #3 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 5 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #4 | Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #5 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | 21 | 5 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #6 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | 21 | 5 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #7 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 22 | 4 | €700K | €936K | +25% |
| #8 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #9 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | 22 | 4 | €250K | €334K | +25% |
| #10 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €30.0M | €40.1M | +25% |
| #11 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 4 | €32.0M | €42.8M | +25% |
| #12 | Michel Moreirense FC | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #13 | Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | 22 | 4 | €200K | €267K | +25% |
| #14 | Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | 22 | 4 | €200K | €267K | +25% |
| #15 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €45.0M | €60.2M | +25% |
| #16 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 23 | 3 | €6.0M | €7.5M | +20% |
| #17 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 23 | 3 | €32.0M | €39.8M | +20% |
| #18 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #19 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.0M | +20% |
| #20 | Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Famalicão's Ibrahima Ba has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 46.3. That means Ibrahima Ba has 15% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Alverca's Bastien Meupiyou with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Tomás Araújo of SL Benfica with a 42.8 RAU (11% 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 | Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #2 | Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | €2.9M | €2.5M-3.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | €35.7M | €31.4M-39.9M | +11% | 42.8 |
| #4 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | €49.6M | €43.6M-55.5M | +10% | 38.4 |
| #5 | António Silva SL Benfica | €35.3M | €31.0M-39.5M | +10% | 38.4 |
| #6 | Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | €551K | €475K-627K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | €441K | €380K-502K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Steven Baseya FC Alverca | €441K | €380K-502K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | €4.3M | €3.8M-4.8M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Naves FC Alverca | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | €696K | €612K-779K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | €6.4M | €5.7M-7.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | €741K | €652K-830K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #19 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | €265K | €233K-296K | +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 centre-back 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)
CD Nacional's Chico Gonçalves in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +6.3%. That means Ousmane Diomande captures 97.9% of total market value while representing only 91.7% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Arouca's Omar Fayed with a +6.3% ASC (97.9% value share vs 91.7% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Semeu Commey of CF Estrela Amadora with a +6.3% ASC (97.9% value vs 91.7% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +6.3% ASC means the player captures 6.3% 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 | Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #2 | Omar Fayed FC Arouca | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #3 | Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #4 | Kaly Casa Pia AC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #5 | Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #6 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #7 | Christian Marques CD Tondela | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #8 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #9 | Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #10 | Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #11 | António Silva SL Benfica | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #12 | Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #13 | Kévin Boma GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #14 | Andreas Ntoi Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #15 | Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #16 | Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #17 | Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #18 | Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #19 | Michel Moreirense FC | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
| #20 | Naves FC Alverca | 21-23 | 97.9% | 91.7% | +6.3% |
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, 24 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 €32.0M. 0 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ibrahima Ba FC Famalicão | €1.0M | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Chico Gonçalves CD Nacional | €200K | €1.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Gilberto Batista Moreirense FC | €200K | €1.0M | -0.75 | Good Value |
Kaly Casa Pia AC | €250K | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Semeu Commey CF Estrela Amadora | €300K | €1.0M | -0.58 | Good Value |
Diogo Monteiro FC Arouca | €400K | €1.0M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Steven Baseya FC Alverca | €400K | €1.0M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Julien Lomboto Rio Ave FC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Antonio Espigares Gil Vicente FC | €500K | €1.0M | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Zeno Debast Sporting CP | €30.0M | €1.0M | -0.15 | Fair Value |
Antef Tsoungui GD Estoril Praia | €650K | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | €32.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Bright Arrey-Mbi SC Braga | €6.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
António Silva SL Benfica | €32.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Bastien Meupiyou FC Alverca | €2.5M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Nelson Abbey Rio Ave FC | €700K | €1.0M | +0.08 | Fair Value |
Omar Fayed FC Arouca | €1.0M | €1.0M | +0.58 | Above Market |
Marvin Elimbi Gil Vicente FC | €1.0M | €1.0M | +0.58 | Above Market |
Michel Moreirense FC | €1.0M | €1.0M | +0.58 | Above Market |
Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | €45.0M | €1.0M | +1.00 | Above Market |