Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal
10 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Liga Portugal (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders 2026-27
Our database tracked 10 Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 9 clubs with a combined market value of €19.1M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders was €1.9M, with the average age at 21.4 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Liga Portugal was Gabriel Moscardo, worth €8.0M and played for SC Braga at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €3.3M in market value, including Mohamed Bamba and Tomás Pérez.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Gabriel Moscardo (20 years, SC Braga, €8.0M), while the oldest was Matheus Dias (23 years, CD Nacional, €1.5M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 10 Young Defensive Midfielders (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 Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 9 clubs with €19.1M combined value.
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 (7 players, 70% of market). The U21 age group holds the most value at €11.5M, averaging €3.8M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (7 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €8.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 10% of the Liga Portugal CDM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Defensive Midfielders
Among 9 Liga Portugal clubs, SC Braga leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €8.0M (averaging €8.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
SC Braga (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Gil Vicente FC (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Porto (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
CD Nacional (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Gabriel Moscardo
SC Braga • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.5M
57.7
Mohamed Bamba
Gil Vicente FC • 21 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.4M
42.1
Tomás Pérez
FC Porto • 20 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
41.7
Matheus Dias
CD Nacional • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.1
Joe Hodge
CD Tondela • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.0
Theofanis Bakoulas
Rio Ave FC • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.2
Tomás Mendes
FC Alverca • 21 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €573K
19.4
Juan Sebastián Rodríguez
CD Tondela • 20 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €595K
19.0
Tiago Hernández
Avs Futebol • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.4
Tiago Brito
GD Estoril Praia • 22 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €221K
8.2
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)
Gil Vicente FC's Mohamed Bamba at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 3.00×. That means Mohamed Bamba is valued 3.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is SC Braga's Gabriel Moscardo, who is 20 years old, with a 2.67× PPVE. Third is Matheus Dias of CD Nacional, who is 23 years old with a 1.50× 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 3.00× means the player is worth 200% 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 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00× |
| #2 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €3.0M | 2.67× |
| #3 | Matheus Dias CD Nacional | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #4 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #5 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50× |
| #8 | Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €1.0M | 0.40× |
| #9 | Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | 22 | 21-23 | €200K | €1.0M | 0.20× |
| #10 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | U21 | €500K | €3.0M | 0.17× |
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 Juan Sebastián Rodríguez at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Gabriel Moscardo 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 Tomás Pérez of FC Porto, 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
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #2 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €13.3M | +40% |
| #3 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #4 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #5 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #6 | Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | 21 | 5 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #7 | Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | 22 | 4 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #8 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #9 | Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | 23 | 3 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #10 | Matheus Dias CD Nacional | 23 | 3 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
CD Tondela's Juan Sebastián Rodríguez has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Gabriel Moscardo has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is SC Braga's Gabriel Moscardo with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Tomás Pérez of FC Porto with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | €9.5M | €8.2M-10.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | €3.4M | €3.0M-3.9M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | €221K | €194K-247K | +10% | 38.7 |
| #8 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | €1.1M | €931K-1.2M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #9 | Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | €423K | €373K-474K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Matheus Dias CD Nacional | €1.6M | €1.4M-1.8M | +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 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 Tondela's Juan Sebastián Rodríguez in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +30.2%. That means Gabriel Moscardo captures 60.2% of total market value while representing only 30.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is SC Braga's Gabriel Moscardo with a +30.2% ASC (60.2% value share vs 30.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Tomás Pérez of FC Porto with a +30.2% ASC (60.2% value vs 30.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +30.2% ASC means the player captures 30.2% 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 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | U21 | 60.2% | 30.0% | +30.2% |
| #2 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | U21 | 60.2% | 30.0% | +30.2% |
| #3 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto | U21 | 60.2% | 30.0% | +30.2% |
| #4 | Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
| #5 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
| #6 | Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
| #7 | Joe Hodge CD Tondela | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
| #8 | Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
| #9 | Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
| #10 | Matheus Dias CD Nacional | 21-23 | 39.8% | 70.0% | -30.2% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 7 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
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 €8.0M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | €500K | €1.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Tiago Brito GD Estoril Praia | €200K | €1.0M | -0.73 | Good Value |
Tiago Hernández Avs Futebol | €400K | €1.0M | -0.55 | Good Value |
Tomás Mendes FC Alverca | €500K | €1.0M | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | €1.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | €8.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Tomás Pérez FC Porto | €3.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Joe Hodge CD Tondela | €1.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Matheus Dias CD Nacional | €1.5M | €1.0M | +0.45 | Fair Value |
Mohamed Bamba Gil Vicente FC | €3.0M | €1.0M | +1.82 | Premium |