Best U23 Young Right-Backs in the Liga Portugal
16 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Right-Backs in the Liga Portugal (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.
Iván Fresneda
Sporting CP • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
66.9
Martim Fernandes
FC Porto • 20 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.3M
66.4
Pedro Lima
FC Porto • 20 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
48.9
Diogo Travassos
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
40.2
Maga
Vitória Guimarães SC • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.8
Eric da Silva Moreira
Rio Ave FC • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
27.7
Leandro Santos
Moreirense FC • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
27.7
Diogo Spencer
FC Alverca • 22 years old
€649K
€750K
+15.6%
Expected: €827K
24.9
Guga
Portimonense SC • 22 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €772K
24.1
Max Scholze
CF Estrela Amadora • 21 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €803K
23.6
Pedro Carvalho
GD Estoril Praia • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.2
José Silva
FC Arouca • 20 years old
€476K
€550K
+15.6%
Expected: €655K
20.2
Gonçalo Esteves
FC Alverca • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €551K
19.8
Jonathan Mutombo
Gil Vicente FC • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.4
João Tomé
Rio Ave FC • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.4
Edney
CD Santa Clara • 21 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €344K
12.9
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Explore Market Size by Position in Liga Portugal
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €39.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs
The Liga Portugal RB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (11 players, 69% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €20.7M, averaging €1.9M per player.
Top Young Right-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Right-Backs (13% of players) control €24.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 13% of the Liga Portugal RB pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs
Among 12 Liga Portugal clubs, FC Porto leads with 2 Young Right-Backs worth €16.0M (averaging €8.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 88% of tracked Young Right-Backs.
FC Porto (2 Young Right-Backs)
Sporting CP (2 Young Right-Backs)
Vitória Guimarães SC (1 Young Right-Backs)
Rio Ave FC (2 Young Right-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)
Sporting CP's Iván Fresneda at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 17.14×. That means Iván Fresneda is valued 17.14× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Porto's Martim Fernandes, who is 20 years old, with a 12.00× PPVE. Third is Pedro Lima of FC Porto, who is 20 years old with a 4.00× 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 17.14× means the player is worth 1614% 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 | Iván Fresneda Sporting CP | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €700K | 17.14× |
| #2 | Martim Fernandes FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €12.0M | €1.0M | 12.00× |
| #3 | Pedro Lima FC Porto | 20 | U21 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #4 | Diogo Travassos Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €700K | 3.57× |
| #5 | Maga Vitória Guimarães SC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
| #6 | Diogo Spencer FC Alverca | 22 | 21-23 | €750K | €700K | 1.07× |
| #7 | Guga Portimonense SC | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #8 | Leandro Santos Moreirense FC | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Max Scholze CF Estrela Amadora | 21 | 21-23 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #10 | Eric da Silva Moreira Rio Ave FC | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Pedro Carvalho GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €700K | 0.71× |
| #12 | Gonçalo Esteves FC Alverca | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €700K | 0.71× |
| #13 | João Tomé Rio Ave FC | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €700K | 0.57× |
| #14 | Jonathan Mutombo Gil Vicente FC | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €700K | 0.57× |
| #15 | José Silva FC Arouca | 20 | U21 | €550K | €1.0M | 0.55× |
| #16 | Edney CD Santa Clara | 21 | 21-23 | €300K | €700K | 0.43× |
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)
Moreirense FC's Leandro Santos at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Pedro Lima is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Porto's Pedro Lima, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Eric da Silva Moreira of Rio Ave FC, 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 | Leandro Santos Moreirense FC | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #2 | Pedro Lima FC Porto | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #3 | Eric da Silva Moreira Rio Ave FC | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #4 | Martim Fernandes FC Porto | 20 | 6 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #5 | José Silva FC Arouca | 20 | 6 | €550K | €914K | +40% |
| #6 | Max Scholze CF Estrela Amadora | 21 | 5 | €700K | €1.1M | +35% |
| #7 | Iván Fresneda Sporting CP | 21 | 5 | €12.0M | €18.5M | +35% |
| #8 | Edney CD Santa Clara | 21 | 5 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #9 | Guga Portimonense SC | 22 | 4 | €700K | €1.0M | +30% |
| #10 | Gonçalo Esteves FC Alverca | 22 | 4 | €500K | €719K | +30% |
| #11 | Diogo Travassos Sporting CP | 22 | 4 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #12 | Diogo Spencer FC Alverca | 22 | 4 | €750K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #13 | Pedro Carvalho GD Estoril Praia | 23 | 3 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #14 | Maga Vitória Guimarães SC | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #15 | João Tomé Rio Ave FC | 23 | 3 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #16 | Jonathan Mutombo Gil Vicente FC | 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)
Moreirense FC's Leandro Santos has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 69.6. That means Pedro Lima has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Porto's Pedro Lima with a 69.6 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Eric da Silva Moreira of Rio Ave FC with a 69.6 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 69.6 means the upside is 69.6× 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 | Leandro Santos Moreirense FC | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.3M | +19% | 69.6 |
| #2 | Pedro Lima FC Porto | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.3M | +19% | 69.6 |
| #3 | Eric da Silva Moreira Rio Ave FC | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.3M | +19% | 69.6 |
| #4 | Martim Fernandes FC Porto | €14.3M | €12.6M-15.9M | +19% | 69.6 |
| #5 | José Silva FC Arouca | €655K | €580K-730K | +19% | 69.6 |
| #6 | Iván Fresneda Sporting CP | €13.8M | €12.2M-15.3M | +15% | 55.6 |
| #7 | Max Scholze CF Estrela Amadora | €803K | €710K-895K | +15% | 55.6 |
| #8 | Edney CD Santa Clara | €344K | €304K-384K | +15% | 55.6 |
| #9 | Guga Portimonense SC | €772K | €695K-849K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #10 | Gonçalo Esteves FC Alverca | €551K | €496K-606K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #11 | Diogo Travassos Sporting CP | €2.8M | €2.5M-3.0M | +10% | 46.5 |
| #12 | Diogo Spencer FC Alverca | €827K | €744K-910K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #13 | Pedro Carvalho GD Estoril Praia | €529K | €476K-582K | +6% | 27.6 |
| #14 | Maga Vitória Guimarães SC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.3M | +6% | 27.6 |
| #15 | João Tomé Rio Ave FC | €423K | €381K-466K | +6% | 27.6 |
| #16 | Jonathan Mutombo Gil Vicente FC | €423K | €381K-466K | +6% | 27.6 |
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 right-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)
Portimonense SC's Guga in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-16.0%. That means Iván Fresneda captures 52.8% of total market value while representing only 68.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is GD Estoril Praia's Pedro Carvalho with a +-16.0% ASC (52.8% value share vs 68.8% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Edney of CD Santa Clara with a +-16.0% ASC (52.8% value vs 68.8% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-16.0% ASC means the player captures -16.0% 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 | Guga Portimonense SC | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #2 | Pedro Carvalho GD Estoril Praia | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #3 | Edney CD Santa Clara | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #4 | Diogo Travassos Sporting CP | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #5 | João Tomé Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #6 | Max Scholze CF Estrela Amadora | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #7 | Jonathan Mutombo Gil Vicente FC | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #8 | Gonçalo Esteves FC Alverca | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #9 | Maga Vitória Guimarães SC | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #10 | Diogo Spencer FC Alverca | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #11 | Iván Fresneda Sporting CP | 21-23 | 52.8% | 68.8% | -16.0% |
| #12 | José Silva FC Arouca | U21 | 47.2% | 31.3% | +16.0% |
| #13 | Leandro Santos Moreirense FC | U21 | 47.2% | 31.3% | +16.0% |
| #14 | Pedro Lima FC Porto | U21 | 47.2% | 31.3% | +16.0% |
| #15 | Eric da Silva Moreira Rio Ave FC | U21 | 47.2% | 31.3% | +16.0% |
| #16 | Martim Fernandes FC Porto | U21 | 47.2% | 31.3% | +16.0% |
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: 5 immediate targets, 11 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 €12.0M. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Edney CD Santa Clara | €300K | €750K | -1.14 | Good Value |
João Tomé Rio Ave FC | €400K | €750K | -0.86 | Good Value |
Jonathan Mutombo Gil Vicente FC | €400K | €750K | -0.86 | Good Value |
Pedro Carvalho GD Estoril Praia | €500K | €750K | -0.57 | Good Value |
Gonçalo Esteves FC Alverca | €500K | €750K | -0.57 | Good Value |
José Silva FC Arouca | €550K | €750K | -0.15 | Fair Value |
Guga Portimonense SC | €700K | €750K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Leandro Santos Moreirense FC | €1.0M | €750K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Max Scholze CF Estrela Amadora | €700K | €750K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Eric da Silva Moreira Rio Ave FC | €1.0M | €750K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Martim Fernandes FC Porto | €12.0M | €750K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Iván Fresneda Sporting CP | €12.0M | €750K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Diogo Spencer FC Alverca | €750K | €750K | +0.14 | Fair Value |
Pedro Lima FC Porto | €4.0M | €750K | +1.00 | Above Market |
Maga Vitória Guimarães SC | €2.0M | €750K | +3.71 | Premium |
Diogo Travassos Sporting CP | €2.5M | €750K | +5.14 | Premium |
Market Overview: Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs 2026-27
Our database tracked 16 Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs in the 2026-27 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €39.3M. The average market value for Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs was €2.5M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young right-back in the Liga Portugal was Iván Fresneda, worth €12.0M and played for Sporting CP at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Right-Backs averaged €6.5M in market value, including Martim Fernandes and Pedro Lima.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young right-back was Martim Fernandes (20 years, FC Porto, €12.0M), while the oldest was Maga (23 years, Vitória Guimarães SC, €2.0M). Research shows Young Right-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 16 Young Right-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 Right-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 season.
How We Rank Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young right-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 RB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Liga Portugal young right-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 young right-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 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.
RB 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 right-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 Young Right-Backs in the 2026-27 season
Who are the most valuable Young Right-Backs in the Liga Portugal in 2026-27?
The most valuable young right-back in the Liga Portugal in 2026-27 is Iván Fresneda, who is worth €12.0M and plays for Sporting CP. The second most valuable is Martim Fernandes (€12.0M, FC Porto), followed by Pedro Lima (€4.0M, FC Porto). Our database tracks 16 Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2026-27 season.
How are Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs ranked?
Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Right-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 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 Right-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 right-back from the Liga Portugal?
Transfer fees for Liga Portugal Young Right-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young right-back Iván Fresneda (market value: €12.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €9.6M to €16.8M 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 Right-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Liga Portugal Young Right-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 young right-back data come from?
Our Liga Portugal young right-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 sources and updated monthly for the 2026-27 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.