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Under 23 · Ligue 1 · 2026-27

Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Ligue 1

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

Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Ligue 1 (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.

🔍
Age: 18–40
€0M–€200M
Showing 16 of 16

Player Rankings

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

#1

Arthur Vermeeren

Olympique Marseille21 years old

24.2M

28.0M

+15.6%

26.3M35.5M

Expected: €30.9M

77.0

#2

Ngal'ayel Mukau

LOSC Lille21 years old

10.4M

12.0M

+15.6%

11.3M15.2M

Expected: €13.2M

66.4

#5

Tyler Morton

Olympique Lyon23 years old

6.1M

7.0M

+15.6%

6.5M8.5M

Expected: €7.5M

57.4

#4

Johann Lepenant

FC Nantes23 years old

6.1M

7.0M

+15.6%

6.5M8.5M

Expected: €7.5M

57.4

#3

Junior Mwanga

RC Strasbourg Alsace23 years old

6.1M

7.0M

+15.6%

6.5M8.5M

Expected: €7.5M

57.4

#6

Lucas Gourna-Douath

Le Havre AC22 years old

3.5M

4.0M

+15.6%

3.7M4.8M

Expected: €4.2M

49.8

#8

Rafael Luís

RC Strasbourg Alsace21 years old

3.5M

4.0M

+15.6%

3.8M5.1M

Expected: €4.4M

49.2

#7

Mathys de Carvalho

Olympique Lyon21 years old

3.5M

4.0M

+15.6%

3.8M5.1M

Expected: €4.4M

49.2

#9

Aladji Bamba

AS Monaco20 years old

3.0M

3.5M

+15.6%

3.4M4.6M

Expected: €4.0M

46.9

#10

Rabby Nzingoula

RC Strasbourg Alsace20 years old

1.7M

2.0M

+15.6%

2.0M2.6M

Expected: €2.3M

36.3

#11

Pape Diong

RC Strasbourg Alsace20 years old

865K

1.0M

+15.6%

975K1.3M

Expected: €1.1M

27.7

#12

Lohann Doucet

Paris FC23 years old

605K

700K

+15.6%

652K847K

Expected: €749K

25.1

#13

Noah Françoise

Stade Rennais FC23 years old

303K

350K

+15.6%

326K423K

Expected: €375K

16.5

#14

Mehdi Puch-Herrantz

AC Ajaccio22 years old

173K

200K

+15.6%

184K239K

Expected: €212K

8.9

#15

Fodé Sylla

RC Lens20 years old

173K

200K

+15.6%

195K264K

Expected: €229K

7.7

#16

Everton

OGC Nice19 years old

173K

200K

+15.6%

203K274K

Expected: €238K

7.1

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Market Intelligence

Explore Market Size by Position in Ligue 1

Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €81.2M combined value.

16
Players Tracked

Age Distribution: Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders

The Ligue 1 CDM 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 €74.3M, averaging €6.8M per player.

U21 years5 players (31%)
6.9MAvg: €1.4M
Top player: Aladji Bamba (€3.5M)
21-23 years11 players (69%)
74.3MAvg: €6.8M
Top player: Arthur Vermeeren (€28.0M)

Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket

U21 Years (5 players)

1. Aladji Bamba(20yo)
3.5M
2. Rabby Nzingoula(20yo)
2.0M
3. Pape Diong(20yo)
1.0M
4. Fodé Sylla(20yo)
200K
5. Everton(19yo)
200K

21-23 Years (11 players)

1. Arthur Vermeeren(21yo)
28.0M
2. Ngal'ayel Mukau(21yo)
12.0M
3. Tyler Morton(23yo)
7.0M
4. Johann Lepenant(23yo)
7.0M
5. Junior Mwanga(23yo)
7.0M

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

49%of market value

The top 2 Young Defensive Midfielders (13% of players) control €40.0M

1. Arthur Vermeeren28.0M
2. Ngal'ayel Mukau12.0M

Market Tiers

High (€15-30M)1 players (6%)
28.0M
Mid (€5-15M)4 players (25%)
33.0M
Emerging (<€5M)11 players (69%)
20.1M

Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 6% of the Ligue 1 CDM pool.

High (€15-30M)

1. Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille28.0M

Mid (€5-15M)

1. Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille12.0M
2. Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon7.0M
3. Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes7.0M
4. Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace7.0M

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Lucas Gourna-Douath
Le Havre AC4.0M
2. Rafael Luís
RC Strasbourg Alsace4.0M
3. Mathys de Carvalho
Olympique Lyon4.0M
4. Aladji Bamba
AS Monaco3.5M
5. Rabby Nzingoula
RC Strasbourg Alsace2.0M

Club Distribution: Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders

Among 12 Ligue 1 clubs, Olympique Marseille leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €28.0M (averaging €28.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 88% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.

#1
Olympique Marseille
1 players • €28.0M
#2
RC Strasbourg Alsace
4 players • €14.0M
#3
LOSC Lille
1 players • €12.0M
#4
Olympique Lyon
2 players • €11.0M
#5
FC Nantes
1 players • €7.0M
#6
Le Havre AC
1 players • €4.0M
#7
AS Monaco
1 players • €3.5M
#8
Paris FC
1 players • €700K
#9
Stade Rennais FC
1 players • €350K
#10
AC Ajaccio
1 players • €200K

Olympique Marseille (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Arthur Vermeeren(21yo)
28.0M

RC Strasbourg Alsace (4 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Junior Mwanga(23yo)
7.0M
Rafael Luís(21yo)
4.0M
Rabby Nzingoula(20yo)
2.0M
Pape Diong(20yo)
1.0M

LOSC Lille (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Ngal'ayel Mukau(21yo)
12.0M

Olympique Lyon (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Tyler Morton(23yo)
7.0M
Mathys de Carvalho(21yo)
4.0M

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)

Olympique Marseille's Arthur Vermeeren at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 7.00×. That means Arthur Vermeeren is valued 7.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.

In second is AS Monaco's Aladji Bamba, who is 20 years old, with a 3.50× PPVE. Third is Ngal'ayel Mukau of LOSC Lille, who is 21 years old with a 3.00× 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 7.00× means the player is worth 600% more than typical players their age-making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Arthur VermeerenOlympique Marseille
21-23 • 21yo7.00×
€28.0M • 600% above median
Aladji BambaAS Monaco
U21 • 20yo3.50×
€3.5M • 250% above median
Ngal'ayel MukauLOSC Lille
21-23 • 21yo3.00×
€12.0M • 200% above median
Rabby NzingoulaRC Strasbourg Alsace
U21 • 20yo2.00×
€2.0M • 100% above median
Junior MwangaRC Strasbourg Alsace
21-23 • 23yo1.75×
€7.0M • 75% above median
Johann LepenantFC Nantes
21-23 • 23yo1.75×
€7.0M • 75% above median
Tyler MortonOlympique Lyon
21-23 • 23yo1.75×
€7.0M • 75% above median
Mathys de CarvalhoOlympique Lyon
21-23 • 21yo1.00×
€4.0M • 0% above median
Pape DiongRC Strasbourg Alsace
U21 • 20yo1.00×
€1.0M • 0% above median
Lucas Gourna-DouathLe Havre AC
21-23 • 22yo1.00×
€4.0M • 0% above median
Rafael LuísRC Strasbourg Alsace
21-23 • 21yo1.00×
€4.0M • 0% above median
EvertonOGC Nice
U21 • 19yo0.20×
€200K • -80% above median
Fodé SyllaRC Lens
U21 • 20yo0.20×
€200K • -80% above median
Lohann DoucetParis FC
21-23 • 23yo0.17×
€700K • -83% above median
Noah FrançoiseStade Rennais FC
21-23 • 23yo0.09×
€350K • -91% above median
RankPlayerAgeBracketCurrent ValueBracket MedianPPVE
#1
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille
2121-2328.0M4.0M7.00×
#2
Aladji Bamba
AS Monaco
20U213.5M1.0M3.50×
#3
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille
2121-2312.0M4.0M3.00×
#4
Rabby Nzingoula
RC Strasbourg Alsace
20U212.0M1.0M2.00×
#5
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2321-237.0M4.0M1.75×
#6
Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes
2321-237.0M4.0M1.75×
#7
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon
2321-237.0M4.0M1.75×
#8
Mathys de Carvalho
Olympique Lyon
2121-234.0M4.0M1.00×
#9
Pape Diong
RC Strasbourg Alsace
20U211.0M1.0M1.00×
#10
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Le Havre AC
2221-234.0M4.0M1.00×
#11
Rafael Luís
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2121-234.0M4.0M1.00×
#12
Everton
OGC Nice
19U21200K1.0M0.20×
#13
Fodé Sylla
RC Lens
20U21200K1.0M0.20×
#14
Lohann Doucet
Paris FC
2321-23700K4.0M0.17×
#15
Noah Françoise
Stade Rennais FC
2321-23350K4.0M0.09×
#16
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz
AC Ajaccio
2221-23200K4.0M0.05×

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)

OGC Nice's Everton at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Everton is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.

In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Rabby Nzingoula, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Pape Diong of RC Strasbourg Alsace, who is 20 years old with a +35% 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

EvertonOGC Nice
7yr to peak+40%
200K332K
Rabby NzingoulaRC Strasbourg Alsace
6yr to peak+35%
2.0M3.1M
Pape DiongRC Strasbourg Alsace
6yr to peak+35%
1.0M1.5M
Aladji BambaAS Monaco
6yr to peak+35%
3.5M5.4M
Fodé SyllaRC Lens
6yr to peak+35%
200K309K
Mathys de CarvalhoOlympique Lyon
5yr to peak+30%
4.0M5.7M
Rafael LuísRC Strasbourg Alsace
5yr to peak+30%
4.0M5.7M
Ngal'ayel MukauLOSC Lille
5yr to peak+30%
12.0M17.2M
Arthur VermeerenOlympique Marseille
5yr to peak+30%
28.0M40.2M
Lucas Gourna-DouathLe Havre AC
4yr to peak+25%
4.0M5.3M
Mehdi Puch-HerrantzAC Ajaccio
4yr to peak+25%
200K267K
Noah FrançoiseStade Rennais FC
3yr to peak+20%
350K435K
Lohann DoucetParis FC
3yr to peak+20%
700K870K
Junior MwangaRC Strasbourg Alsace
3yr to peak+20%
7.0M8.7M
Johann LepenantFC Nantes
3yr to peak+20%
7.0M8.7M
RankPlayerAgeYears to PeakCurrentPeak ForecastRPP %
#1
Everton
OGC Nice
197200K332K+40%
#2
Rabby Nzingoula
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2062.0M3.1M+35%
#3
Pape Diong
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2061.0M1.5M+35%
#4
Aladji Bamba
AS Monaco
2063.5M5.4M+35%
#5
Fodé Sylla
RC Lens
206200K309K+35%
#6
Mathys de Carvalho
Olympique Lyon
2154.0M5.7M+30%
#7
Rafael Luís
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2154.0M5.7M+30%
#8
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille
21512.0M17.2M+30%
#9
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille
21528.0M40.2M+30%
#10
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Le Havre AC
2244.0M5.3M+25%
#11
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz
AC Ajaccio
224200K267K+25%
#12
Noah Françoise
Stade Rennais FC
233350K435K+20%
#13
Lohann Doucet
Paris FC
233700K870K+20%
#14
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2337.0M8.7M+20%
#15
Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes
2337.0M8.7M+20%
#16
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon
2337.0M8.7M+20%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

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

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

OGC Nice's Everton has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 53.6. That means Everton has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.

In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Rabby Nzingoula with a 42.8 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Pape Diong of RC Strasbourg Alsace with a 42.8 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 53.6 means the upside is 53.6× greater than the uncertainty-making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

EvertonOGC Nice
19% / ±0%53.6
Range: €203K - €274K
Rabby NzingoulaRC Strasbourg Alsace
15% / ±0%42.8
Range: €2.0M - €2.6M
Pape DiongRC Strasbourg Alsace
15% / ±0%42.8
Range: €975K - €1.3M
Fodé SyllaRC Lens
15% / ±0%42.8
Range: €195K - €264K
Aladji BambaAS Monaco
15% / ±0%42.8
Range: €3.4M - €4.6M
Ngal'ayel MukauLOSC Lille
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €11.3M - €15.2M
Arthur VermeerenOlympique Marseille
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €26.3M - €35.5M
Mathys de CarvalhoOlympique Lyon
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €3.8M - €5.1M
Rafael LuísRC Strasbourg Alsace
10% / ±0%31.1
Range: €3.8M - €5.1M
Junior MwangaRC Strasbourg Alsace
7% / ±0%25.4
Range: €6.5M - €8.5M
Johann LepenantFC Nantes
7% / ±0%25.4
Range: €6.5M - €8.5M
Tyler MortonOlympique Lyon
7% / ±0%25.4
Range: €6.5M - €8.5M
Noah FrançoiseStade Rennais FC
7% / ±0%25.4
Range: €326K - €423K
Lohann DoucetParis FC
7% / ±0%25.4
Range: €652K - €847K
Mehdi Puch-HerrantzAC Ajaccio
6% / ±0%21.2
Range: €184K - €239K
RankPlayerExpectedRangeUpside %RAU
#1
Everton
OGC Nice
238K203K-274K+19%53.6
#2
Rabby Nzingoula
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2.3M2.0M-2.6M+15%42.8
#3
Pape Diong
RC Strasbourg Alsace
1.1M975K-1.3M+15%42.8
#4
Fodé Sylla
RC Lens
229K195K-264K+15%42.8
#5
Aladji Bamba
AS Monaco
4.0M3.4M-4.6M+15%42.8
#6
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille
13.2M11.3M-15.2M+10%31.1
#7
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille
30.9M26.3M-35.5M+10%31.1
#8
Mathys de Carvalho
Olympique Lyon
4.4M3.8M-5.1M+10%31.1
#9
Rafael Luís
RC Strasbourg Alsace
4.4M3.8M-5.1M+10%31.1
#10
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace
7.5M6.5M-8.5M+7%25.4
#11
Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes
7.5M6.5M-8.5M+7%25.4
#12
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon
7.5M6.5M-8.5M+7%25.4
#13
Noah Françoise
Stade Rennais FC
375K326K-423K+7%25.4
#14
Lohann Doucet
Paris FC
749K652K-847K+7%25.4
#15
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz
AC Ajaccio
212K184K-239K+6%21.2
#16
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Le Havre AC
4.2M3.7M-4.8M+6%21.2

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 weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

16
Total Players
-0.00
Avg Z-Score
-0.00
RPI Score
Weak DepthStrong Depth
-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Arthur Vermeeren+3.40
Ngal'ayel Mukau+1.03
Tyler Morton+0.29
Johann Lepenant+0.29
Junior Mwanga+0.29

Lowest Z-Scores

Everton-0.72
Fodé Sylla-0.72
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz-0.72
Noah Françoise-0.70
Lohann Doucet-0.65

Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

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

Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)

RC Strasbourg Alsace's Rabby Nzingoula in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-22.7%. That means Aladji Bamba captures 8.5% of total market value while representing only 31.3% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.

In second is RC Strasbourg Alsace's Pape Diong with a +-22.7% ASC (8.5% value share vs 31.3% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Everton of OGC Nice with a +-22.7% ASC (8.5% value vs 31.3% players in U21 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-22.7% ASC means the player captures -22.7% more market value than their numerical representation-indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.

Value Concentration by Player

Rabby NzingoulaRC Strasbourg Alsace
U21-22.7%
8.5% value share / 31.3% player share
Pape DiongRC Strasbourg Alsace
U21-22.7%
8.5% value share / 31.3% player share
EvertonOGC Nice
U21-22.7%
8.5% value share / 31.3% player share
Fodé SyllaRC Lens
U21-22.7%
8.5% value share / 31.3% player share
Aladji BambaAS Monaco
U21-22.7%
8.5% value share / 31.3% player share
Mathys de CarvalhoOlympique Lyon
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Junior MwangaRC Strasbourg Alsace
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Ngal'ayel MukauLOSC Lille
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Johann LepenantFC Nantes
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Tyler MortonOlympique Lyon
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Lucas Gourna-DouathLe Havre AC
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Noah FrançoiseStade Rennais FC
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Rafael LuísRC Strasbourg Alsace
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Lohann DoucetParis FC
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
Arthur VermeerenOlympique Marseille
21-23+22.7%
91.5% value share / 68.8% player share
RankPlayerAge BracketValue SharePlayer ShareASC
#1
Rabby Nzingoula
RC Strasbourg Alsace
U218.5%31.3%-22.7%
#2
Pape Diong
RC Strasbourg Alsace
U218.5%31.3%-22.7%
#3
Everton
OGC Nice
U218.5%31.3%-22.7%
#4
Fodé Sylla
RC Lens
U218.5%31.3%-22.7%
#5
Aladji Bamba
AS Monaco
U218.5%31.3%-22.7%
#6
Mathys de Carvalho
Olympique Lyon
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#7
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#8
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#9
Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#10
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#11
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Le Havre AC
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#12
Noah Françoise
Stade Rennais FC
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#13
Rafael Luís
RC Strasbourg Alsace
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#14
Lohann Doucet
Paris FC
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#15
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%
#16
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz
AC Ajaccio
21-2391.5%68.8%+22.7%

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: 1 immediate targets, 15 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.

BUY NOW - High Upside

Everton
19yo • OGC Nice
200K

WATCH LIST - High Upside

No players in this category

BUY NOW - Medium Upside

Arthur Vermeeren
21yo • Olympique Marseille
28.0M
Ngal'ayel Mukau
21yo • LOSC Lille
12.0M
Tyler Morton
23yo • Olympique Lyon
7.0M
Johann Lepenant
23yo • FC Nantes
7.0M
Junior Mwanga
23yo • RC Strasbourg Alsace
7.0M
Lucas Gourna-Douath
22yo • Le Havre AC
4.0M
Rafael Luís
21yo • RC Strasbourg Alsace
4.0M
Mathys de Carvalho
21yo • Olympique Lyon
4.0M
Aladji Bamba
20yo • AS Monaco
3.5M
Rabby Nzingoula
20yo • RC Strasbourg Alsace
2.0M
Pape Diong
20yo • RC Strasbourg Alsace
1.0M
Lohann Doucet
23yo • Paris FC
700K
Noah Françoise
23yo • Stade Rennais FC
350K
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz
22yo • AC Ajaccio
200K
Fodé Sylla
20yo • RC Lens
200K

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 €28.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Mehdi Puch-HerrantzAC Ajaccio
200K-1.04
Undervalued
Noah FrançoiseStade Rennais FC
350K-1.00
Fair value
Lohann DoucetParis FC
700K-0.90
Fair value
EvertonOGC Nice
200K-0.44
Fair value
Fodé SyllaRC Lens
200K-0.44
Fair value
Mathys de CarvalhoOlympique Lyon
4.0M0.00
Fair value
Junior MwangaRC Strasbourg Alsace
7.0M0.00
Fair value
Pape DiongRC Strasbourg Alsace
1.0M0.00
Fair value
Johann LepenantFC Nantes
7.0M0.00
Fair value
Tyler MortonOlympique Lyon
7.0M0.00
Fair value
Lucas Gourna-DouathLe Havre AC
4.0M0.00
Fair value
Rafael LuísRC Strasbourg Alsace
4.0M0.00
Fair value
Arthur VermeerenOlympique Marseille
28.0M0.00
Fair value
Rabby NzingoulaRC Strasbourg Alsace
2.0M+0.56
Fair value
Ngal'ayel MukauLOSC Lille
12.0M+1.00
Fair value
PlayerMarket ValuePosition MedianZ-ScoreAssessment
Mehdi Puch-Herrantz
AC Ajaccio
200K4.0M-1.04Good Value
Noah Françoise
Stade Rennais FC
350K4.0M-1.00Good Value
Lohann Doucet
Paris FC
700K4.0M-0.90Good Value
Everton
OGC Nice
200K4.0M-0.44Fair Value
Fodé Sylla
RC Lens
200K4.0M-0.44Fair Value
Mathys de Carvalho
Olympique Lyon
4.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Junior Mwanga
RC Strasbourg Alsace
7.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Pape Diong
RC Strasbourg Alsace
1.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Johann Lepenant
FC Nantes
7.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon
7.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Lucas Gourna-Douath
Le Havre AC
4.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Rafael Luís
RC Strasbourg Alsace
4.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille
28.0M4.0M0.00Fair Value
Rabby Nzingoula
RC Strasbourg Alsace
2.0M4.0M+0.56Above Market
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille
12.0M4.0M+1.00Above Market
Aladji Bamba
AS Monaco
3.5M4.0M+1.39Above Market

Market Overview: Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders 2026-27

Our database tracked 16 Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €81.2M. The average market value for Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders was €5.1M, with the average age at 21 years old.

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Ligue 1 was Arthur Vermeeren, worth €28.0M and played for Olympique Marseille at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €12.2M in market value, including Ngal'ayel Mukau and Tyler Morton.

Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Everton (19 years, OGC Nice, €200K), while the oldest was Tyler Morton (23 years, Olympique Lyon, €7.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.

Historical analysis showed 16 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 Ligue 1 market for Young Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 season.

How We Rank Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 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 26-27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.

Competition Level Adjustment (3%)

Ligue 1 receives Top 5 European league premium for competitive intensity and quality of opposition.

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: 26-27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)

Decline Rate: 6.0% per year (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: Midfielder -6.0%/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: ±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 Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season

Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the Ligue 1 in 2026-27?

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Ligue 1 in 2026-27 is Arthur Vermeeren, who is worth €28.0M and plays for Olympique Marseille. The second most valuable is Ngal'ayel Mukau (€12.0M, LOSC Lille), followed by Tyler Morton (€7.0M, Olympique Lyon). Our database tracks 16 Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2026-27 season.

How are Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?

Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 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 26-27, with a decline rate of 6.0% per year after peak. 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 Ligue 1?

Transfer fees for Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young defensive midfielder Arthur Vermeeren (market value: €28.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €22.4M to €39.2M 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 Ligue 1 transactions.

What is the value forecast for Ligue 1 Young Defensive Midfielders?

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

Our Ligue 1 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 Ligue 1 sources and updated monthly for the 2026-27 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.