Best U23 Young Attacking Midfielders in the MLS
12 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Attacking Midfielders in the MLS (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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Paxten Aaronson
Colorado Rapids • 23 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.8M
54.7
Wikelman Carmona
Club de Foot Montréal • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.5
Amin Boudri
Los Angeles Football Club • 21 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
41.6
Jackson Hopkins
D.C. United • 22 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.8M
35.7
Gerardo Valenzuela
Football Club Cincinnati • 21 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.8M
35.3
Caden Clark
D.C. United • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €970K
28.8
Olger Escobar
Club de Foot Montréal • 19 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €551K
18.5
Allan Oyirwoth
New England Revolution • 19 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €331K
12.1
Liam MacKenzie
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 19 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €221K
7.1
Rubén Ramos
Los Angeles Galaxy • 19 years old
€151K
€175K
+15.6%
Expected: €193K
5.4
Cristiano Oliveira
New England Revolution • 18 years old
€108K
€125K
+15.6%
Expected: €138K
0.8
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Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Attacking Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 8 clubs with €17.9M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Attacking Midfielders
The MLS CAM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (6 players, 55% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €16.6M, averaging €2.8M per player.
Top Young Attacking Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (6 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Attacking Midfielders (18% of players) control €9.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 9% of the MLS CAM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Attacking Midfielders
Among 8 MLS clubs, Colorado Rapids leads with 1 Young Attacking Midfielders worth €6.0M (averaging €6.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Attacking Midfielders.
Colorado Rapids (1 Young Attacking Midfielders)
Club de Foot Montréal (2 Young Attacking Midfielders)
Los Angeles Football Club (1 Young Attacking Midfielders)
D.C. United (2 Young Attacking Midfielders)
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)
Club de Foot Montréal's Olger Escobar at 19 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.50×. That means Olger Escobar is valued 2.50× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Colorado Rapids's Paxten Aaronson, who is 23 years old, with a 2.00× PPVE. Third is Allan Oyirwoth of New England Revolution, who is 19 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 2.50× means the player is worth 150% 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 | Olger Escobar Club de Foot Montréal | 19 | U21 | €500K | €200K | 2.50× |
| #2 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €3.0M | 2.00× |
| #3 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | 19 | U21 | €300K | €200K | 1.50× |
| #4 | Liam MacKenzie Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 19 | U21 | €200K | €200K | 1.00× |
| #5 | Wikelman Carmona Club de Foot Montréal | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Amin Boudri Los Angeles Football Club | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | U21 | €175K | €200K | 0.87× |
| #8 | Cristiano Oliveira New England Revolution | 18 | U21 | €125K | €200K | 0.63× |
| #9 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €3.0M | 0.60× |
| #10 | Gerardo Valenzuela Football Club Cincinnati | 21 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €3.0M | 0.60× |
| #11 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €3.0M | 0.33× |
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)
New England Revolution's Cristiano Oliveira at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Cristiano Oliveira is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Los Angeles Galaxy's Rubén Ramos, who is 19 years old, with a +44% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Liam MacKenzie of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who is 19 years old with a +44% RPP (7 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 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% 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 | Cristiano Oliveira New England Revolution | 18 | 8 | €125K | €240K | +48% |
| #2 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | 19 | 7 | €175K | €313K | +44% |
| #3 | Liam MacKenzie Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #4 | Olger Escobar Club de Foot Montréal | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #5 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | 19 | 7 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #6 | Amin Boudri Los Angeles Football Club | 21 | 5 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
| #7 | Gerardo Valenzuela Football Club Cincinnati | 21 | 5 | €1.8M | €2.8M | +35% |
| #8 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.6M | +30% |
| #9 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #10 | Wikelman Carmona Club de Foot Montréal | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #11 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 23 | 3 | €6.0M | €8.0M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Los Angeles Galaxy's Rubén Ramos has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 31.1. That means Rubén Ramos has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Club de Foot Montréal's Olger Escobar with a 31.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Cristiano Oliveira of New England Revolution 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
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | €193K | €164K-222K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #2 | Olger Escobar Club de Foot Montréal | €551K | €469K-634K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #3 | Cristiano Oliveira New England Revolution | €138K | €117K-158K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #4 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | €331K | €281K-380K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #5 | Liam MacKenzie Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €221K | €188K-253K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #6 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | €1.8M | €1.6M-2.1M | +1% | 5.4 |
| #7 | Amin Boudri Los Angeles Football Club | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.5M | +1% | 4.7 |
| #8 | Gerardo Valenzuela Football Club Cincinnati | €1.8M | €1.6M-2.1M | +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 attacking midfielder position shows weak 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)
Club de Foot Montréal's Wikelman Carmona in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +38.2%. That means Paxten Aaronson captures 92.7% of total market value while representing only 54.5% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is D.C. United's Caden Clark with a +38.2% ASC (92.7% value share vs 54.5% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Paxten Aaronson of Colorado Rapids with a +38.2% ASC (92.7% value vs 54.5% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +38.2% ASC means the player captures 38.2% 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 | Wikelman Carmona Club de Foot Montréal | 21-23 | 92.7% | 54.5% | +38.2% |
| #2 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 21-23 | 92.7% | 54.5% | +38.2% |
| #3 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 92.7% | 54.5% | +38.2% |
| #4 | Amin Boudri Los Angeles Football Club | 21-23 | 92.7% | 54.5% | +38.2% |
| #5 | Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | 21-23 | 92.7% | 54.5% | +38.2% |
| #6 | Gerardo Valenzuela Football Club Cincinnati | 21-23 | 92.7% | 54.5% | +38.2% |
| #7 | Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | U21 | 7.3% | 45.5% | -38.2% |
| #8 | Olger Escobar Club de Foot Montréal | U21 | 7.3% | 45.5% | -38.2% |
| #9 | Liam MacKenzie Vancouver Whitecaps FC | U21 | 7.3% | 45.5% | -38.2% |
| #10 | Cristiano Oliveira New England Revolution | U21 | 7.3% | 45.5% | -38.2% |
| #11 | Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | U21 | 7.3% | 45.5% | -38.2% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 5 standard acquisitions, 6 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
WATCH LIST - High Upside
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 €6.0M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Caden Clark D.C. United | €1.0M | €1.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Cristiano Oliveira New England Revolution | €125K | €1.0M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Rubén Ramos Los Angeles Galaxy | €175K | €1.0M | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Liam MacKenzie Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €200K | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | €6.0M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jackson Hopkins D.C. United | €1.8M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Gerardo Valenzuela Football Club Cincinnati | €1.8M | €1.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Allan Oyirwoth New England Revolution | €300K | €1.0M | +0.80 | Above Market |
Wikelman Carmona Club de Foot Montréal | €3.0M | €1.0M | +1.00 | Above Market |
Amin Boudri Los Angeles Football Club | €3.0M | €1.0M | +1.00 | Above Market |
Olger Escobar Club de Foot Montréal | €500K | €1.0M | +2.40 | Premium |
Market Overview: MLS Young Attacking Midfielders 2022-23
Our database tracked 11 MLS Young Attacking Midfielders in the 2022-23 season, representing 8 clubs with a combined market value of €17.9M. The average market value for MLS Young Attacking Midfielders was €1.6M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young attacking midfielder in the MLS was Paxten Aaronson, worth €6.0M and played for Colorado Rapids at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Attacking Midfielders averaged €3.1M in market value, including Wikelman Carmona and Amin Boudri.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young attacking midfielder was Cristiano Oliveira (18 years, New England Revolution, €125K), while the oldest was Paxten Aaronson (23 years, Colorado Rapids, €6.0M). Research shows Young Attacking Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 8 Young Attacking Midfielders (73%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Young Attacking Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 season.
How We Rank MLS Young Attacking Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young attacking 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 CAM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS young attacking 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 MLS young attacking 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%)
MLS 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.
CAM 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 attacking 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 MLS Young Attacking Midfielders in the 2022-23 season
Who are the most valuable Young Attacking Midfielders in the MLS in 2022-23?
The most valuable young attacking midfielder in the MLS in 2022-23 is Paxten Aaronson, who is worth €6.0M and plays for Colorado Rapids. The second most valuable is Wikelman Carmona (€3.0M, Club de Foot Montréal), followed by Amin Boudri (€3.0M, Los Angeles Football Club). Our database tracks 11 MLS Young Attacking Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2022-23 season.
How are MLS Young Attacking Midfielders ranked?
MLS Young Attacking Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Attacking 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 MLS 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 Attacking Midfielders peak?
Attacking midfielders typically peak at age 27, in line with other midfielders. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, and steeper from 30. This position demands high technical ability, creativity, and burst acceleration. The optimal playing time is around 2,400 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young attacking midfielder from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Young Attacking Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson (market value: €6.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €4.8M to €8.4M 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 MLS transactions.
What is the value forecast for MLS Young Attacking Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Young Attacking 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 MLS young attacking midfielder data come from?
Our MLS young attacking 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 MLS sources and updated monthly for the 2022-23 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.