Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the MLS
18 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Young Defensive Midfielders 2022-23
Our database tracked 18 MLS Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2022-23 season, representing 14 clubs with a combined market value of €30.3M. The average market value for MLS Young Defensive Midfielders was €1.7M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the MLS was David Ayala, worth €4.0M and played for Inter Miami CF at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €3.3M in market value, including Igor Jesus and Lucas Sanabria.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Luis Otávio (19 years, Orlando City SC, €2.5M), while the oldest was David Ayala (23 years, Inter Miami CF, €4.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 18 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 MLS market for Young Defensive Midfielders remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 14 clubs with €30.3M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Defensive Midfielders
The MLS CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (11 players, 61% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €23.3M, averaging €2.1M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (7 players)
21-23 Years (11 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Defensive Midfielders (11% of players) control €7.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS CDM pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Defensive Midfielders
Among 14 MLS clubs, Inter Miami CF leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €6.0M (averaging €3.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 78% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Inter Miami CF (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Dallas (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Los Angeles FC (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Los Angeles Galaxy (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
David Ayala
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.2M
50.2
Igor Jesus
Los Angeles FC • 23 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
48.5
Lucas Sanabria
Los Angeles Galaxy • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
48.1
Patrickson Delgado
FC Dallas • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
42.5
Djé D'Avilla
Chicago Fire FC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.6M
40.6
Kaick
FC Dallas • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
39.4
Luis Otávio
Orlando City SC • 19 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.1M
38.9
Daniel Edelman
St. Louis CITY SC • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.8
David Ruíz
Inter Miami CF • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
37.4
Hamzat Ojediran
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.6
Jacob Bartlett
Sporting Kansas City • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
27.7
Matti Peltola
D.C. United • 23 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
26.2
Ralph Priso
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 23 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €847K
26.2
Snyder Brunell
Seattle Sounders FC • 19 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €494K
15.7
Matthew Corcoran
Nashville SC • 20 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €357K
12.5
Colin Guske
Orlando City SC • 19 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €247K
6.9
Pedro Soma
San Diego FC • 19 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €247K
6.9
Sam Williams
Chicago Fire FC • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €172K
4.1
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)
FC Dallas's Kaick at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 6.25×. That means Kaick is valued 6.25× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Orlando City SC's Luis Otávio, who is 19 years old, with a 6.25× PPVE. Third is Jacob Bartlett of Sporting Kansas City, who is 20 years old with a 2.50× 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 6.25× means the player is worth 525% 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 | Kaick FC Dallas | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €400K | 6.25× |
| #2 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €400K | 6.25× |
| #3 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €400K | 2.50× |
| #4 | David Ayala Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €2.0M | 2.00× |
| #5 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €2.0M | 1.75× |
| #6 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles FC | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €2.0M | 1.75× |
| #7 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €2.0M | 1.50× |
| #8 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €2.0M | 1.25× |
| #9 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis CITY SC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #10 | David Ruíz Inter Miami CF | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €2.0M | 1.00× |
| #11 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | U21 | €400K | €400K | 1.00× |
| #12 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | 20 | U21 | €300K | €400K | 0.75× |
| #13 | Colin Guske Orlando City SC | 19 | U21 | €200K | €400K | 0.50× |
| #14 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €2.0M | 0.50× |
| #15 | Pedro Soma San Diego FC | 19 | U21 | €200K | €400K | 0.50× |
| #16 | Matti Peltola D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €800K | €2.0M | 0.40× |
| #17 | Ralph Priso Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 23 | 21-23 | €800K | €2.0M | 0.40× |
| #18 | Sam Williams Chicago Fire FC | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €2.0M | 0.07× |
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)
Orlando City SC's Colin Guske at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Snyder Brunell is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is San Diego FC's Pedro Soma, who is 19 years old, with a +44% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Snyder Brunell of Seattle Sounders 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 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 | Colin Guske Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #2 | Pedro Soma San Diego FC | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #3 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #4 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #5 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #6 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | 20 | 6 | €300K | €499K | +40% |
| #7 | Kaick FC Dallas | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #8 | Sam Williams Chicago Fire FC | 21 | 5 | €150K | €232K | +35% |
| #9 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #10 | David Ruíz Inter Miami CF | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €2.9M | +30% |
| #11 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €5.0M | +30% |
| #12 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #13 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire FC | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.3M | +25% |
| #14 | David Ayala Inter Miami CF | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #15 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis CITY SC | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #16 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles FC | 23 | 3 | €3.5M | €4.7M | +25% |
| #17 | Matti Peltola D.C. United | 23 | 3 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
| #18 | Ralph Priso Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 23 | 3 | €800K | €1.1M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Orlando City SC's Luis Otávio has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Luis Otávio has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Orlando City SC's Colin Guske with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Pedro Soma of San Diego FC with a 68.9 RAU (23% 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 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Colin Guske Orlando City SC | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Pedro Soma San Diego FC | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | €357K | €308K-407K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Kaick FC Dallas | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Sam Williams Chicago Fire FC | €172K | €148K-196K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | €3.9M | €3.4M-4.3M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #10 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.7M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #11 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | €1.1M | €970K-1.2M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #12 | David Ruíz Inter Miami CF | €2.2M | €1.9M-2.5M | +10% | 38.7 |
| #13 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles FC | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.1M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | David Ayala Inter Miami CF | €4.2M | €3.7M-4.7M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis CITY SC | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #16 | Matti Peltola D.C. United | €847K | €745K-948K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #17 | Ralph Priso Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €847K | €745K-948K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire FC | €2.6M | €2.3M-3.0M | +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)
Los Angeles Galaxy's Lucas Sanabria in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +15.5%. That means David Ayala captures 76.6% of total market value while representing only 61.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is D.C. United's Matti Peltola with a +15.5% ASC (76.6% value share vs 61.1% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Ralph Priso of Vancouver Whitecaps FC with a +15.5% ASC (76.6% value vs 61.1% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +15.5% ASC means the player captures 15.5% 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 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #2 | Matti Peltola D.C. United | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #3 | Ralph Priso Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #4 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #5 | David Ayala Inter Miami CF | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #6 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #7 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #8 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire FC | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #9 | Sam Williams Chicago Fire FC | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #10 | David Ruíz Inter Miami CF | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #11 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles FC | 21-23 | 76.6% | 61.1% | +15.5% |
| #12 | Kaick FC Dallas | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
| #13 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
| #14 | Colin Guske Orlando City SC | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
| #15 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
| #16 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
| #17 | Pedro Soma San Diego FC | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
| #18 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | U21 | 23.4% | 38.9% | -15.5% |
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: 7 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 €200K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sam Williams Chicago Fire FC | €150K | €2.0M | -0.69 | Good Value |
Matti Peltola D.C. United | €800K | €2.0M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Ralph Priso Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €800K | €2.0M | -0.44 | Fair Value |
Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | €1.0M | €2.0M | -0.37 | Fair Value |
Colin Guske Orlando City SC | €200K | €2.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Pedro Soma San Diego FC | €200K | €2.0M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | €300K | €2.0M | -0.04 | Fair Value |
Daniel Edelman St. Louis CITY SC | €2.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
David Ruíz Inter Miami CF | €2.0M | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €400K | €2.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire FC | €2.5M | €2.0M | +0.19 | Fair Value |
Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | €1.0M | €2.0M | +0.26 | Fair Value |
Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | €3.0M | €2.0M | +0.37 | Fair Value |
Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | €3.5M | €2.0M | +0.56 | Above Market |
Igor Jesus Los Angeles FC | €3.5M | €2.0M | +0.56 | Above Market |
David Ayala Inter Miami CF | €4.0M | €2.0M | +0.74 | Above Market |
Kaick FC Dallas | €2.5M | €2.0M | +0.91 | Above Market |
Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €2.5M | €2.0M | +0.91 | Above Market |