Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the MLS
28 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Young Centre-Backs 2023-24
Our database tracked 28 MLS Young Centre-Backs in the 2023-24 season, representing 18 clubs with a combined market value of €26.5M. The average market value for MLS Young Centre-Backs was €948K, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the MLS was Tomás Avilés, worth €4.5M and played for CF Montréal at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €2.9M in market value, including Fallou Fall and Nicolás Romero.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Ian James (18 years, Sporting Kansas City, €200K), while the oldest was Noah Eile (23 years, New York Red Bulls, €2.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 28 Young Centre-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 MLS market for Young Centre-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2023-24 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 MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 18 clubs with €26.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Centre-Backs
The MLS CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (22 players, 79% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €24.5M, averaging €1.1M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (6 players)
21-23 Years (22 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 3 Young Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €10.3M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS CB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Centre-Backs
Among 18 MLS clubs, CF Montréal leads with 4 Young Centre-Backs worth €6.2M (averaging €1.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 61% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
CF Montréal (4 Young Centre-Backs)
St. Louis CITY SC (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Minnesota United FC (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Philadelphia Union (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Tomás Avilés
CF Montréal • 22 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
50.9
Fallou Fall
St. Louis CITY SC • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.2M
42.3
Nicolás Romero
Minnesota United FC • 22 years old
€2.4M
€2.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
41.4
Noah Eile
New York Red Bulls • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Olwethu Makhanya
Philadelphia Union • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.3
Tomás Jacob
Atlanta United FC • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
33.7
Gilberto Flores
FC Cincinnati • 23 years old
€1.1M
€1.3M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.4M
32.5
Mateja Djordjević
Austin FC • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.5
Manu Duah
San Diego FC • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.0
Noah Cobb
Colorado Rapids • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
27.4
Jalen Neal
CF Montréal • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
25.9
Ian Pilcher
San Diego FC • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Ian Fray
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Reid Roberts
San Jose Earthquakes • 22 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €529K
20.0
Matthew Edwards
Atlanta United FC • 23 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €482K
19.3
Brandan Craig
CF Montréal • 22 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €476K
18.7
Max Floriani
San Jose Earthquakes • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €428K
17.8
Efraín Morales
CF Montréal • 22 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.2
Zane Monlouis
Toronto FC • 22 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €423K
17.2
Mamadou Mbacke
St. Louis CITY SC • 23 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €321K
14.3
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)
CF Montréal's Tomás Avilés at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 9.00×. That means Tomás Avilés is valued 9.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is St. Louis CITY SC's Fallou Fall, who is 22 years old, with a 6.00× PPVE. Third is Nicolás Romero of Minnesota United FC, who is 22 years old with a 5.60× 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 9.00× means the player is worth 800% 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 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 22 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €500K | 9.00× |
| #2 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €500K | 6.00× |
| #3 | Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC | 22 | 21-23 | €2.8M | €500K | 5.60× |
| #4 | Noah Cobb Colorado Rapids | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €200K | 5.00× |
| #5 | Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €500K | 4.00× |
| #6 | Noah Eile New York Red Bulls | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €500K | 4.00× |
| #7 | Tomás Jacob Atlanta United FC | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €500K | 3.00× |
| #8 | Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | 23 | 21-23 | €1.3M | €500K | 2.60× |
| #9 | Mateja Djordjević Austin FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €500K | 2.40× |
| #10 | Manu Duah San Diego FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €500K | 2.00× |
| #11 | Jalen Neal CF Montréal | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €500K | 1.60× |
| #12 | Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC | 19 | U21 | €300K | €200K | 1.50× |
| #13 | Ian James Sporting Kansas City | 18 | U21 | €200K | €200K | 1.00× |
| #14 | Finn Sundstrom Philadelphia Union | 19 | U21 | €200K | €200K | 1.00× |
| #15 | Reid Roberts San Jose Earthquakes | 22 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #16 | Ian Pilcher San Diego FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #17 | Ian Fray Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #18 | Brandan Craig CF Montréal | 22 | 21-23 | €450K | €500K | 0.90× |
| #19 | Matthew Edwards Atlanta United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €450K | €500K | 0.90× |
| #20 | Stuart Hawkins Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | U21 | €175K | €200K | 0.87× |
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)
Sporting Kansas City's Ian James at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Ian James is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Nashville SC's Christopher Applewhite, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Lazar Stefanović of Toronto FC, who is 19 years old with a +40% 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% 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 | Ian James Sporting Kansas City | 18 | 8 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #2 | Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #3 | Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC | 19 | 7 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #4 | Finn Sundstrom Philadelphia Union | 19 | 7 | €200K | €332K | +40% |
| #5 | Stuart Hawkins Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €175K | €291K | +40% |
| #6 | Noah Cobb Colorado Rapids | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.5M | +35% |
| #7 | Manu Duah San Diego FC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #8 | Thomas Williams Nashville SC | 21 | 5 | €175K | €252K | +30% |
| #9 | Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #10 | Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC | 22 | 4 | €2.8M | €3.7M | +25% |
| #11 | Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #12 | Reid Roberts San Jose Earthquakes | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #13 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 22 | 4 | €4.5M | €6.0M | +25% |
| #14 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #15 | Jalen Neal CF Montréal | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #16 | Brandan Craig CF Montréal | 22 | 4 | €450K | €602K | +25% |
| #17 | Efraín Morales CF Montréal | 22 | 4 | €400K | €535K | +25% |
| #18 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
| #19 | Tomás Jacob Atlanta United FC | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.0M | +25% |
| #20 | Mateja Djordjević Austin FC | 23 | 3 | €1.2M | €1.5M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Nashville SC's Christopher Applewhite has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Christopher Applewhite has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Sporting Kansas City's Ian James with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Lazar Stefanović of Toronto FC 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 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× 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 | Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Ian James Sporting Kansas City | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Lazar Stefanović Toronto FC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Stuart Hawkins Seattle Sounders FC | €208K | €180K-237K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Finn Sundstrom Philadelphia Union | €238K | €205K-271K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Noah Cobb Colorado Rapids | €1.1M | €988K-1.3M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Thomas Williams Nashville SC | €193K | €166K-220K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Manu Duah San Diego FC | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Ian Pilcher San Diego FC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Noah Eile New York Red Bulls | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Ian Fray Inter Miami CF | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Mateja Djordjević Austin FC | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #14 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis CITY SC | €321K | €283K-360K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #15 | Ascel Essengue Los Angeles Galaxy | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #16 | Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #17 | Matthew Edwards Atlanta United FC | €482K | €424K-540K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #18 | Max Floriani San Jose Earthquakes | €428K | €377K-480K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #19 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.3M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #20 | Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.3M | +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 centre-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)
FC Cincinnati's Gilberto Flores in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +13.8%. That means Tomás Avilés captures 92.4% of total market value while representing only 78.6% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is St. Louis CITY SC's Fallou Fall with a +13.8% ASC (92.4% value share vs 78.6% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Tomás Avilés of CF Montréal with a +13.8% ASC (92.4% value vs 78.6% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +13.8% ASC means the player captures 13.8% 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 | Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #2 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #3 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #4 | Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #5 | Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #6 | Manu Duah San Diego FC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #7 | Max Floriani San Jose Earthquakes | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #8 | Reid Roberts San Jose Earthquakes | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #9 | Ian Pilcher San Diego FC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #10 | Noah Eile New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #11 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #12 | Jalen Neal CF Montréal | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #13 | Mateja Djordjević Austin FC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #14 | Ian Fray Inter Miami CF | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #15 | Brandan Craig CF Montréal | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #16 | Efraín Morales CF Montréal | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #17 | Thomas Williams Nashville SC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #18 | Matthew Edwards Atlanta United FC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #19 | Nicolás Romero Minnesota United FC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
| #20 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 92.4% | 78.6% | +13.8% |
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, 23 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 €400K. 0 undervalued, 4 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Christopher Applewhite Nashville SC | €150K | €500K | -0.40 | Fair Value |
Ascel Essengue Los Angeles Galaxy | €150K | €500K | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Thomas Williams Nashville SC | €175K | €500K | -0.30 | Fair Value |
Álvaro Augusto FC Dallas | €200K | €500K | -0.27 | Fair Value |
Stuart Hawkins Seattle Sounders FC | €175K | €500K | -0.20 | Fair Value |
Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis CITY SC | €300K | €500K | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Max Floriani San Jose Earthquakes | €400K | €500K | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | €400K | €500K | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Efraín Morales CF Montréal | €400K | €500K | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Brandan Craig CF Montréal | €450K | €500K | -0.05 | Fair Value |
Matthew Edwards Atlanta United FC | €450K | €500K | -0.05 | Fair Value |
Ian James Sporting Kansas City | €200K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Finn Sundstrom Philadelphia Union | €200K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Reid Roberts San Jose Earthquakes | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ian Pilcher San Diego FC | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ian Fray Inter Miami CF | €500K | €500K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jalen Neal CF Montréal | €800K | €500K | +0.27 | Fair Value |
Manu Duah San Diego FC | €1.0M | €500K | +0.45 | Fair Value |
Mateja Djordjević Austin FC | €1.2M | €500K | +0.64 | Above Market |
Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | €1.3M | €500K | +0.73 | Above Market |