Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the MLS
14 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Defensive 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.
Djé D'Avilla
Chicago Fire Soccer Club • 23 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
49.7
Lucas Sanabria
Los Angeles Galaxy • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.6
Kaick
FC Dallas • 20 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.9M
46.7
Igor Jesus
Los Angeles Football Club • 23 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
42.5
Patrickson Delgado
FC Dallas • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
42.1
Hamzat Ojediran
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
42.1
Luis Otávio
Orlando City Soccer Club • 19 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.3M
40.8
Daniel Edelman
St. Louis City Soccer Club • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
37.4
David Ruíz
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 22 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.5M
33.4
Matthew Corcoran
Nashville SC • 20 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.6
Snyder Brunell
Seattle Sounders FC • 19 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.1
Jacob Bartlett
Sporting Kansas City • 20 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
27.5
Pedro Soma
San Diego Football Club • 20 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €882K
24.7
Colin Guske
Orlando City Soccer Club • 19 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €221K
7.1
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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 Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 12 clubs with €31.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Defensive Midfielders
The MLS CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the U21 bracket (7 players, 50% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €20.0M, averaging €2.9M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (7 players)
21-23 Years (7 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Defensive Midfielders (14% 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 12 MLS clubs, FC Dallas leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €6.5M (averaging €3.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 86% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
FC Dallas (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Chicago Fire Soccer Club (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Los Angeles Galaxy (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Orlando City Soccer Club (2 Young Defensive 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)
FC Dallas's Kaick at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.33×. That means Kaick is valued 2.33× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Orlando City Soccer Club's Luis Otávio, who is 19 years old, with a 2.00× PPVE. Third is Djé D'Avilla of Chicago Fire Soccer Club, who is 23 years old with a 1.33× 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 2.33× means the player is worth 133% 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 | €3.5M | €1.5M | 2.33× |
| #2 | Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | 19 | U21 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00× |
| #3 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire Soccer Club | 23 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €3.0M | 1.33× |
| #4 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €3.0M | 1.17× |
| #5 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #6 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €3.0M | 1.00× |
| #9 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #10 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | U21 | €1.0M | €1.5M | 0.67× |
| #11 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €3.0M | 0.67× |
| #12 | Pedro Soma San Diego Football Club | 20 | U21 | €800K | €1.5M | 0.53× |
| #13 | David Ruíz Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 22 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.50× |
| #14 | Colin Guske Orlando City Soccer Club | 19 | U21 | €200K | €1.5M | 0.13× |
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 Soccer Club's Colin Guske at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Luis Otávio is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Orlando City Soccer Club's Luis Otávio, 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 Soccer Club | 19 | 7 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #2 | Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #3 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.7M | +44% |
| #4 | Kaick FC Dallas | 20 | 6 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
| #5 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #6 | Pedro Soma San Diego Football Club | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.3M | +40% |
| #7 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #8 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 22 | 4 | €3.5M | €5.0M | +30% |
| #9 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #10 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €3.0M | €4.3M | +30% |
| #11 | David Ruíz Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 22 | 4 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #12 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #13 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire Soccer Club | 23 | 3 | €4.0M | €5.3M | +25% |
| #14 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 3 | €3.0M | €4.0M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Orlando City Soccer Club's Luis Otávio has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 31.1. That means Luis Otávio has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Nashville SC's Matthew Corcoran with a 31.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Snyder Brunell of Seattle Sounders FC 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 | Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | €3.3M | €2.8M-3.8M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #2 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #3 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #4 | Kaick FC Dallas | €3.9M | €3.3M-4.4M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #5 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | €1.1M | €938K-1.3M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #6 | Colin Guske Orlando City Soccer Club | €221K | €188K-253K | +10% | 31.1 |
| #7 | Pedro Soma San Diego Football Club | €882K | €750K-1.0M | +10% | 31.1 |
| #8 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.0M | +1% | 5.4 |
| #9 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +1% | 5.4 |
| #10 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +1% | 5.4 |
| #11 | David Ruíz Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | €1.5M | €1.3M-1.7M | +1% | 5.4 |
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)
FC Dallas's Kaick in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-13.5%. That means Kaick captures 36.5% of total market value while representing only 50.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Sporting Kansas City's Jacob Bartlett with a +-13.5% ASC (36.5% value share vs 50.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Colin Guske of Orlando City Soccer Club with a +-13.5% ASC (36.5% value vs 50.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-13.5% ASC means the player captures -13.5% 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 | Kaick FC Dallas | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #2 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #3 | Colin Guske Orlando City Soccer Club | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #4 | Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #5 | Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #6 | Pedro Soma San Diego Football Club | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #7 | Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | U21 | 36.5% | 50.0% | -13.5% |
| #8 | Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
| #9 | Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
| #10 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
| #11 | Daniel Edelman St. Louis City Soccer Club | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
| #12 | Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire Soccer Club | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
| #13 | David Ruíz Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
| #14 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | 21-23 | 63.5% | 50.0% | +13.5% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 7 standard acquisitions, 7 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 €3.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
David Ruíz Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | €1.5M | €3.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Daniel Edelman St. Louis City Soccer Club | €2.0M | €3.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Colin Guske Orlando City Soccer Club | €200K | €3.0M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Pedro Soma San Diego Football Club | €800K | €3.0M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | €1.0M | €3.0M | -0.23 | Fair Value |
Patrickson Delgado FC Dallas | €3.0M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | €3.0M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Matthew Corcoran Nashville SC | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | €3.0M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Snyder Brunell Seattle Sounders FC | €1.5M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Lucas Sanabria Los Angeles Galaxy | €3.5M | €3.0M | +0.33 | Fair Value |
Djé D'Avilla Chicago Fire Soccer Club | €4.0M | €3.0M | +0.67 | Above Market |
Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | €3.0M | €3.0M | +0.68 | Above Market |
Kaick FC Dallas | €3.5M | €3.0M | +0.91 | Above Market |
Market Overview: MLS Young Defensive Midfielders 2025-26
Our database tracks 14 MLS Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 12 clubs with a combined market value of €31.5M. The average market value for MLS Young Defensive Midfielders is €2.3M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the MLS is Djé D'Avilla, worth €4.0M and playing for Chicago Fire Soccer Club at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders average €3.4M in market value, including Lucas Sanabria and Kaick.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder is Luis Otávio (19 years, Orlando City Soccer Club, €3.0M), while the oldest is Djé D'Avilla (23 years, Chicago Fire Soccer Club, €4.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 11 Young Defensive Midfielders (79%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Young Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
How We Rank MLS 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 MLS 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 MLS 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 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.
CDM 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 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 MLS Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season
Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the MLS in 2025-26?
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the MLS in 2025-26 is Djé D'Avilla, who is worth €4.0M and plays for Chicago Fire Soccer Club. The second most valuable is Lucas Sanabria (€3.5M, Los Angeles Galaxy), followed by Kaick (€3.5M, FC Dallas). Our database tracks 14 MLS Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.
How are MLS Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?
MLS 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 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 Defensive Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. 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 MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Young Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young defensive midfielder Djé D'Avilla (market value: €4.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €3.2M to €5.6M 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 Defensive Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS 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 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 defensive midfielder data come from?
Our MLS 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 MLS sources and updated monthly for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.