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Under 23 · Liga Portugal · 2026-27

Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal

17 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index

Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal (Sep 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.

🔍
Age: 18–40
€0M–€200M
Showing 17 of 17

Player Rankings

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

#1

Diogo Sousa

Vitória Guimarães SC20 years old

8.0M

57.0

#2

Gabriel Moscardo

SC Braga20 years old

7.0M

55.3

#3

Thiago Helguera

SC Braga20 years old

3.5M

46.7

#4

Mateja Stjepanović

Moreirense FC22 years old

3.0M

42.1

#5

Djibril Soumaré

CD Nacional23 years old

1.5M

33.9

#6

Mohamed Bamba

Gil Vicente FC21 years old

1.5M

33.0

#7

Nuno Félix

SL Benfica22 years old

1.3M

31.6

#8

Juanse Rodríguez

CD Tondela20 years old

1.0M

27.5

#9

Joe Hodge

CD Tondela23 years old

700K

24.4

#10

André Oliveira

FC Porto20 years old

650K

22.2

#11

Dani Borges

CD Santa Clara23 years old

500K

20.2

#12

Tomás Mendes

FC Alverca21 years old

500K

19.3

#13

Afonso Assis

Moreirense FC20 years old

500K

18.9

#14

Eddy Doué

CF Estrela Amadora20 years old

400K

16.1

#15

Rica Rocha

Vitória Guimarães SC23 years old

200K

8.8

#16

Tiago Brito

GD Estoril Praia22 years old

200K

8.4

#17

Yanis da Rocha

SC Braga22 years old

200K

8.4

If you were Liga Portugal's sporting director, who would you sign?

Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.

Market Intelligence

Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal

Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €30.6M combined value.

17
Players Tracked

Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders

The Liga Portugal CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (10 players, 59% of market). The U21 age group holds the most value at €21.0M, averaging €3.0M per player.

U21 years7 players (41%)
21.0MAvg: €3.0M
Top player: Diogo Sousa (€8.0M)
21-23 years10 players (59%)
9.6MAvg: €960K
Top player: Mateja Stjepanović (€3.0M)

Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket

U21 Years (7 players)

1. Diogo Sousa(20yo)
8.0M
2. Gabriel Moscardo(20yo)
7.0M
3. Thiago Helguera(20yo)
3.5M
4. Juanse Rodríguez(20yo)
1.0M
5. André Oliveira(20yo)
650K

21-23 Years (10 players)

1. Mateja Stjepanović(22yo)
3.0M
2. Djibril Soumaré(23yo)
1.5M
3. Mohamed Bamba(21yo)
1.5M
4. Nuno Félix(22yo)
1.3M
5. Joe Hodge(23yo)
700K

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

49%of market value

The top 2 Young Defensive Midfielders (12% of players) control €15.0M

1. Diogo Sousa8.0M
2. Gabriel Moscardo7.0M

Market Tiers

Mid (€5-15M)2 players (12%)
15.0M
Emerging (<€5M)15 players (88%)
15.6M

Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 12% of the Liga Portugal CDM pool.

Mid (€5-15M)

1. Diogo Sousa
Vitória Guimarães SC8.0M
2. Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga7.0M

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Thiago Helguera
SC Braga3.5M
2. Mateja Stjepanović
Moreirense FC3.0M
3. Djibril Soumaré
CD Nacional1.5M
4. Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC1.5M
5. Nuno Félix
SL Benfica1.3M

Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders

Among 12 Liga Portugal clubs, SC Braga leads with 3 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €10.7M (averaging €3.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 88% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.

#1
SC Braga
3 players • €10.7M
#2
Vitória Guimarães SC
2 players • €8.2M
#3
Moreirense FC
2 players • €3.5M
#4
CD Tondela
2 players • €1.7M
#5
CD Nacional
1 players • €1.5M
#6
Gil Vicente FC
1 players • €1.5M
#7
SL Benfica
1 players • €1.3M
#8
FC Porto
1 players • €650K
#9
CD Santa Clara
1 players • €500K
#10
FC Alverca
1 players • €500K

SC Braga (3 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Gabriel Moscardo(20yo)
7.0M
Thiago Helguera(20yo)
3.5M
Yanis da Rocha(22yo)
200K

Vitória Guimarães SC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Diogo Sousa(20yo)
8.0M
Rica Rocha(23yo)
200K

Moreirense FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Mateja Stjepanović(22yo)
3.0M
Afonso Assis(20yo)
500K

CD Tondela (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Juanse Rodríguez(20yo)
1.0M
Joe Hodge(23yo)
700K

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)

Vitória Guimarães SC's Diogo Sousa at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 8.00×. That means Diogo Sousa is valued 8.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.

In second is SC Braga's Gabriel Moscardo, who is 20 years old, with a 7.00× PPVE. Third is Mateja Stjepanović of Moreirense FC, who is 22 years old with a 4.29× 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 8.00× means the player is worth 700% more than typical players their age-making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Diogo SousaVitória Guimarães SC
U21 • 20yo8.00×
€8.0M • 700% above median
Gabriel MoscardoSC Braga
U21 • 20yo7.00×
€7.0M • 600% above median
Mateja StjepanovićMoreirense FC
21-23 • 22yo4.29×
€3.0M • 329% above median
Thiago HelgueraSC Braga
U21 • 20yo3.50×
€3.5M • 250% above median
Djibril SoumaréCD Nacional
21-23 • 23yo2.14×
€1.5M • 114% above median
Mohamed BambaGil Vicente FC
21-23 • 21yo2.14×
€1.5M • 114% above median
Nuno FélixSL Benfica
21-23 • 22yo1.86×
€1.3M • 86% above median
Juanse RodríguezCD Tondela
U21 • 20yo1.00×
€1.0M • 0% above median
Joe HodgeCD Tondela
21-23 • 23yo1.00×
€700K • 0% above median
Dani BorgesCD Santa Clara
21-23 • 23yo0.71×
€500K • -29% above median
Tomás MendesFC Alverca
21-23 • 21yo0.71×
€500K • -29% above median
André OliveiraFC Porto
U21 • 20yo0.65×
€650K • -35% above median
Afonso AssisMoreirense FC
U21 • 20yo0.50×
€500K • -50% above median
Eddy DouéCF Estrela Amadora
U21 • 20yo0.40×
€400K • -60% above median
Tiago BritoGD Estoril Praia
21-23 • 22yo0.29×
€200K • -71% above median
RankPlayerAgeBracketCurrent ValueBracket MedianPPVE
#1
Diogo Sousa
Vitória Guimarães SC
20U218.0M1.0M8.00×
#2
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga
20U217.0M1.0M7.00×
#3
Mateja Stjepanović
Moreirense FC
2221-233.0M700K4.29×
#4
Thiago Helguera
SC Braga
20U213.5M1.0M3.50×
#5
Djibril Soumaré
CD Nacional
2321-231.5M700K2.14×
#6
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC
2121-231.5M700K2.14×
#7
Nuno Félix
SL Benfica
2221-231.3M700K1.86×
#8
Juanse Rodríguez
CD Tondela
20U211.0M1.0M1.00×
#9
Joe Hodge
CD Tondela
2321-23700K700K1.00×
#10
Dani Borges
CD Santa Clara
2321-23500K700K0.71×
#11
Tomás Mendes
FC Alverca
2121-23500K700K0.71×
#12
André Oliveira
FC Porto
20U21650K1.0M0.65×
#13
Afonso Assis
Moreirense FC
20U21500K1.0M0.50×
#14
Eddy Doué
CF Estrela Amadora
20U21400K1.0M0.40×
#15
Tiago Brito
GD Estoril Praia
2221-23200K700K0.29×
#16
Yanis da Rocha
SC Braga
2221-23200K700K0.29×
#17
Rica Rocha
Vitória Guimarães SC
2321-23200K700K0.29×

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)

CD Tondela's Juanse Rodríguez at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Diogo Sousa is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.

In second is SC Braga's Gabriel Moscardo, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Eddy Doué of CF Estrela Amadora, who is 20 years old with a +40% RPP (6 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

Juanse RodríguezCD Tondela
6yr to peak+40%
1.0M1.7M
Gabriel MoscardoSC Braga
6yr to peak+40%
7.0M11.6M
Eddy DouéCF Estrela Amadora
6yr to peak+40%
400K665K
Afonso AssisMoreirense FC
6yr to peak+40%
500K831K
André OliveiraFC Porto
6yr to peak+40%
650K1.1M
Diogo SousaVitória Guimarães SC
6yr to peak+40%
8.0M13.3M
Thiago HelgueraSC Braga
6yr to peak+40%
3.5M5.8M
Mohamed BambaGil Vicente FC
5yr to peak+35%
1.5M2.3M
Tomás MendesFC Alverca
5yr to peak+35%
500K773K
Nuno FélixSL Benfica
4yr to peak+30%
1.3M1.9M
Tiago BritoGD Estoril Praia
4yr to peak+30%
200K287K
Yanis da RochaSC Braga
4yr to peak+30%
200K287K
Mateja StjepanovićMoreirense FC
4yr to peak+30%
3.0M4.3M
Joe HodgeCD Tondela
3yr to peak+25%
700K936K
Dani BorgesCD Santa Clara
3yr to peak+25%
500K668K
RankPlayerAgeYears to PeakCurrentPeak ForecastRPP %
#1
Juanse Rodríguez
CD Tondela
2061.0M1.7M+40%
#2
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga
2067.0M11.6M+40%
#3
Eddy Doué
CF Estrela Amadora
206400K665K+40%
#4
Afonso Assis
Moreirense FC
206500K831K+40%
#5
André Oliveira
FC Porto
206650K1.1M+40%
#6
Diogo Sousa
Vitória Guimarães SC
2068.0M13.3M+40%
#7
Thiago Helguera
SC Braga
2063.5M5.8M+40%
#8
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC
2151.5M2.3M+35%
#9
Tomás Mendes
FC Alverca
215500K773K+35%
#10
Nuno Félix
SL Benfica
2241.3M1.9M+30%
#11
Tiago Brito
GD Estoril Praia
224200K287K+30%
#12
Yanis da Rocha
SC Braga
224200K287K+30%
#13
Mateja Stjepanović
Moreirense FC
2243.0M4.3M+30%
#14
Joe Hodge
CD Tondela
233700K936K+25%
#15
Dani Borges
CD Santa Clara
233500K668K+25%
#16
Rica Rocha
Vitória Guimarães SC
233200K267K+25%
#17
Djibril Soumaré
CD Nacional
2331.5M2.0M+25%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

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

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

SC Braga's Gabriel Moscardo has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 31.1. That means Gabriel Moscardo has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.

In second is SC Braga's Thiago Helguera with a 31.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Juanse Rodríguez of CD Tondela with a 31.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 31.1 means the upside is 31.1× greater than the uncertainty-making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Gabriel MoscardoSC Braga
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €6.6M - €8.9M
Thiago HelgueraSC Braga
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €3.3M - €4.4M
Juanse RodríguezCD Tondela
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €938K - €1.3M
Afonso AssisMoreirense FC
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €469K - €634K
Diogo SousaVitória Guimarães SC
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €7.5M - €10.1M
Eddy DouéCF Estrela Amadora
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €375K - €507K
André OliveiraFC Porto
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €609K - €824K
Tiago BritoGD Estoril Praia
1% / ±0%5.4
Range: €176K - €229K
Yanis da RochaSC Braga
1% / ±0%5.4
Range: €176K - €229K
Mateja StjepanovićMoreirense FC
1% / ±0%5.4
Range: €2.6M - €3.4M
Nuno FélixSL Benfica
1% / ±0%5.4
Range: €1.1M - €1.5M
Mohamed BambaGil Vicente FC
1% / ±0%4.7
Range: €1.3M - €1.7M
Tomás MendesFC Alverca
1% / ±0%4.7
Range: €431K - €583K
RankPlayerExpectedRangeUpside %RAU
#1
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga
7.7M6.6M-8.9M+10%31.1
#2
Thiago Helguera
SC Braga
3.9M3.3M-4.4M+10%31.1
#3
Juanse Rodríguez
CD Tondela
1.1M938K-1.3M+10%31.1
#4
Afonso Assis
Moreirense FC
551K469K-634K+10%31.1
#5
Diogo Sousa
Vitória Guimarães SC
8.8M7.5M-10.1M+10%31.1
#6
Eddy Doué
CF Estrela Amadora
441K375K-507K+10%31.1
#7
André Oliveira
FC Porto
717K609K-824K+10%31.1
#8
Tiago Brito
GD Estoril Praia
203K176K-229K+1%5.4
#9
Yanis da Rocha
SC Braga
203K176K-229K+1%5.4
#10
Mateja Stjepanović
Moreirense FC
3.0M2.6M-3.4M+1%5.4
#11
Nuno Félix
SL Benfica
1.3M1.1M-1.5M+1%5.4
#12
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC
1.5M1.3M-1.7M+1%4.7
#13
Tomás Mendes
FC Alverca
507K431K-583K+1%4.7

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

17
Total Players
0.00
Avg Z-Score
0.00
RPI Score
Weak DepthStrong Depth
-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Diogo Sousa+2.72
Gabriel Moscardo+2.28
Thiago Helguera+0.75
Mateja Stjepanović+0.53
Djibril Soumaré+-0.13

Lowest Z-Scores

Yanis da Rocha-0.70
Tiago Brito-0.70
Rica Rocha-0.70
Eddy Doué-0.62
Afonso Assis-0.57

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

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

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

GD Estoril Praia's Tiago Brito in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-27.5%. That means Mateja Stjepanović captures 31.3% of total market value while representing only 58.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.

In second is CD Nacional's Djibril Soumaré with a +-27.5% ASC (31.3% value share vs 58.8% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Yanis da Rocha of SC Braga with a +-27.5% ASC (31.3% value vs 58.8% players in 21-23 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-27.5% ASC means the player captures -27.5% more market value than their numerical representation-indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.

Value Concentration by Player

Tiago BritoGD Estoril Praia
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Djibril SoumaréCD Nacional
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Yanis da RochaSC Braga
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Dani BorgesCD Santa Clara
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Mohamed BambaGil Vicente FC
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Joe HodgeCD Tondela
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Tomás MendesFC Alverca
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Mateja StjepanovićMoreirense FC
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Nuno FélixSL Benfica
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Rica RochaVitória Guimarães SC
21-23-27.5%
31.3% value share / 58.8% player share
Juanse RodríguezCD Tondela
U21+27.5%
68.7% value share / 41.2% player share
Gabriel MoscardoSC Braga
U21+27.5%
68.7% value share / 41.2% player share
Eddy DouéCF Estrela Amadora
U21+27.5%
68.7% value share / 41.2% player share
Afonso AssisMoreirense FC
U21+27.5%
68.7% value share / 41.2% player share
André OliveiraFC Porto
U21+27.5%
68.7% value share / 41.2% player share
RankPlayerAge BracketValue SharePlayer ShareASC
#1
Tiago Brito
GD Estoril Praia
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#2
Djibril Soumaré
CD Nacional
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#3
Yanis da Rocha
SC Braga
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#4
Dani Borges
CD Santa Clara
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#5
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#6
Joe Hodge
CD Tondela
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#7
Tomás Mendes
FC Alverca
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#8
Mateja Stjepanović
Moreirense FC
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#9
Nuno Félix
SL Benfica
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#10
Rica Rocha
Vitória Guimarães SC
21-2331.3%58.8%-27.5%
#11
Juanse Rodríguez
CD Tondela
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%
#12
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%
#13
Eddy Doué
CF Estrela Amadora
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%
#14
Afonso Assis
Moreirense FC
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%
#15
André Oliveira
FC Porto
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%
#16
Diogo Sousa
Vitória Guimarães SC
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%
#17
Thiago Helguera
SC Braga
U2168.7%41.2%+27.5%

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, 7 standard acquisitions, 10 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.

BUY NOW - High Upside

No players in this category

WATCH LIST - High Upside

Mateja Stjepanović
22yo • Moreirense FC
3.0M
Djibril Soumaré
23yo • CD Nacional
1.5M
Mohamed Bamba
21yo • Gil Vicente FC
1.5M
Nuno Félix
22yo • SL Benfica
1.3M
Joe Hodge
23yo • CD Tondela
700K
Dani Borges
23yo • CD Santa Clara
500K
Tomás Mendes
21yo • FC Alverca
500K
Rica Rocha
23yo • Vitória Guimarães SC
200K
Tiago Brito
22yo • GD Estoril Praia
200K
Yanis da Rocha
22yo • SC Braga
200K

BUY NOW - Medium Upside

Diogo Sousa
20yo • Vitória Guimarães SC
8.0M
Gabriel Moscardo
20yo • SC Braga
7.0M
Thiago Helguera
20yo • SC Braga
3.5M
Juanse Rodríguez
20yo • CD Tondela
1.0M
André Oliveira
20yo • FC Porto
650K
Afonso Assis
20yo • Moreirense FC
500K
Eddy Doué
20yo • CF Estrela Amadora
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 €8.0M. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Gabriel MoscardoSC Braga
7.0M-1.00
Fair value
Eddy DouéCF Estrela Amadora
400K-0.50
Fair value
Tiago BritoGD Estoril Praia
200K-0.38
Fair value
Yanis da RochaSC Braga
200K-0.38
Fair value
Rica RochaVitória Guimarães SC
200K-0.38
Fair value
Afonso AssisMoreirense FC
500K-0.30
Fair value
Dani BorgesCD Santa Clara
500K-0.15
Fair value
Tomás MendesFC Alverca
500K-0.15
Fair value
Joe HodgeCD Tondela
700K0.00
Fair value
André OliveiraFC Porto
650K0.00
Fair value
Diogo SousaVitória Guimarães SC
8.0M0.00
Fair value
Nuno FélixSL Benfica
1.3M+0.46
Fair value
Djibril SoumaréCD Nacional
1.5M+0.62
Fair value
Mohamed BambaGil Vicente FC
1.5M+0.62
Fair value
Juanse RodríguezCD Tondela
1.0M+0.70
Fair value
PlayerMarket ValuePosition MedianZ-ScoreAssessment
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga
7.0M700K-1.00Good Value
Eddy Doué
CF Estrela Amadora
400K700K-0.50Fair Value
Tiago Brito
GD Estoril Praia
200K700K-0.38Fair Value
Yanis da Rocha
SC Braga
200K700K-0.38Fair Value
Rica Rocha
Vitória Guimarães SC
200K700K-0.38Fair Value
Afonso Assis
Moreirense FC
500K700K-0.30Fair Value
Dani Borges
CD Santa Clara
500K700K-0.15Fair Value
Tomás Mendes
FC Alverca
500K700K-0.15Fair Value
Joe Hodge
CD Tondela
700K700K0.00Fair Value
André Oliveira
FC Porto
650K700K0.00Fair Value
Diogo Sousa
Vitória Guimarães SC
8.0M700K0.00Fair Value
Nuno Félix
SL Benfica
1.3M700K+0.46Fair Value
Djibril Soumaré
CD Nacional
1.5M700K+0.62Above Market
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC
1.5M700K+0.62Above Market
Juanse Rodríguez
CD Tondela
1.0M700K+0.70Above Market
Mateja Stjepanović
Moreirense FC
3.0M700K+1.77Premium
Thiago Helguera
SC Braga
3.5M700K+5.70Premium

Market Overview: Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders 2026-27

Our database tracked 17 Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €30.6M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders was €1.8M, with the average age at 21 years old.

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Portugal was Diogo Sousa, worth €8.0M and played for Vitória Guimarães SC at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €4.6M in market value, including Gabriel Moscardo and Thiago Helguera.

Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Diogo Sousa (20 years, Vitória Guimarães SC, €8.0M), while the oldest was Djibril Soumaré (23 years, CD Nacional, €1.5M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 27.

Historical analysis showed 13 Young Defensive Midfielders (76%) 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 Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 season.

How We Rank Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders

Our Analytical Strength Index 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 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 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 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.

Competition Level Adjustment (3%)

Liga Portugal 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: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)

Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (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: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +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: ±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 Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season

Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal in 2026-27?

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Portugal in 2026-27 is Diogo Sousa, who is worth €8.0M and plays for Vitória Guimarães SC. The second most valuable is Gabriel Moscardo (€7.0M, SC Braga), followed by Thiago Helguera (€3.5M, SC Braga). Our database tracks 17 Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2026-27 season.

How are Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?

Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, 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 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 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. 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?

Transfer fees for Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young defensive midfielder Diogo Sousa (market value: €8.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €6.4M to €11.2M 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 transactions.

What is the value forecast for Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders?

Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal 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 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-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 young defensive midfielder data come from?

Our Liga Portugal young defensive midfielder 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 sources and updated monthly for the 2026-27 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.