Best U23 Young Midfielders in the MLS
31 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Midfielders in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Young Midfielders 2023-24
Our database tracked 31 MLS Young Midfielders in the 2023-24 season, representing 21 clubs with a combined market value of €47.4M. The average market value for MLS Young Midfielders was €1.5M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young midfielder in the MLS was Obed Vargas, worth €8.0M and played for Seattle Sounders FC at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Midfielders averaged €5.3M in market value, including Jack McGlynn and Quinn Sullivan.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young midfielder was Máximo Carrizo (18 years, New York City FC, €400K), while the oldest was Telasco Segovia (23 years, Inter Miami CF, €4.5M). Research shows Young Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 31 Young 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 Midfielders 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 Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 21 clubs with €47.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Midfielders
The MLS CM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (23 players, 74% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €35.3M, averaging €1.5M per player.
Top Young Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (8 players)
21-23 Years (23 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Young Midfielders (13% of players) control €22.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 10% of the MLS CM pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Midfielders
Among 21 MLS clubs, Seattle Sounders FC leads with 2 Young Midfielders worth €9.2M (averaging €4.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 58% of tracked Young Midfielders.
Seattle Sounders FC (2 Young Midfielders)
Austin FC (2 Young Midfielders)
San Jose Earthquakes (3 Young Midfielders)
Houston Dynamo FC (1 Young Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Obed Vargas
Seattle Sounders FC • 20 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.2M
56.9
Jack McGlynn
Houston Dynamo FC • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Quinn Sullivan
Philadelphia Union • 22 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.3M
52.3
Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami CF • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.8M
51.6
Owen Wolff
Austin FC • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Nectarios Triantis
Minnesota United FC • 23 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.7M
40.6
Beau Leroux
San Jose Earthquakes • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.3
Noel Buck
San Jose Earthquakes • 21 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
35.3
Owen Gene
Minnesota United FC • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.6M
34.3
Nicolás Dubersarsky
Austin FC • 21 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
33.1
Niko Tsakiris
San Jose Earthquakes • 20 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.5
Nikola Petković
Seattle Sounders FC • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.5
Ajani Fortune
Atlanta United FC • 23 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
31.5
Sergio Oregel
Chicago Fire FC • 21 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
28.0
Jonathan Shore
New York City FC • 19 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.2M
26.8
Hosei Kijima
D.C. United • 23 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €642K
22.9
Ronald Donkor
New York Red Bulls • 21 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €662K
21.7
Brooklyn Raines
New England Revolution • 21 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €662K
21.7
Jeevan Badwal
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 20 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €688K
21.1
Elijah Wynder
Los Angeles Galaxy • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
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)
Seattle Sounders FC's Obed Vargas at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 13.33×. That means Obed Vargas is valued 13.33× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Houston Dynamo FC's Jack McGlynn, who is 22 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Quinn Sullivan of Philadelphia Union, who is 22 years old with a 5.00× 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 13.33× means the player is worth 1233% 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 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €600K | 13.33× |
| #2 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #3 | Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | 22 | 21-23 | €5.0M | €1.0M | 5.00× |
| #4 | Telasco Segovia Inter Miami CF | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #5 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €1.0M | 4.00× |
| #6 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #7 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €600K | 2.50× |
| #8 | Beau Leroux San Jose Earthquakes | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #9 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | 21 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.0M | 1.80× |
| #10 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | U21 | €1.0M | €600K | 1.67× |
| #11 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #12 | Owen Gene Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50× |
| #13 | Nikola Petković Seattle Sounders FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20× |
| #14 | Ajani Fortune Atlanta United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20× |
| #15 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | U21 | €600K | €600K | 1.00× |
| #16 | Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | 21 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00× |
| #17 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | 20 | U21 | €400K | €600K | 0.67× |
| #18 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | 18 | U21 | €400K | €600K | 0.67× |
| #19 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21 | 21-23 | €600K | €1.0M | 0.60× |
| #20 | Hosei Kijima D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €600K | €1.0M | 0.60× |
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 York City FC's Máximo Carrizo at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Máximo Carrizo is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Santiago Morales, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Jonathan Shore of New York City 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 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | 18 | 8 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #2 | Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | 19 | 7 | €125K | €208K | +40% |
| #3 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #4 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #5 | Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | 20 | 6 | €125K | €193K | +35% |
| #6 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €12.4M | +35% |
| #7 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | 6 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #8 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | 20 | 6 | €400K | €618K | +35% |
| #9 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | 21 | 5 | €175K | €252K | +30% |
| #10 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #11 | Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | 21 | 5 | €1.0M | €1.4M | +30% |
| #12 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #13 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #14 | Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #15 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | 21 | 5 | €1.8M | €2.6M | +30% |
| #16 | Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | 21 | 5 | €600K | €862K | +30% |
| #17 | Miguel Perez St. Louis CITY SC | 21 | 5 | €300K | €431K | +30% |
| #18 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21 | 5 | €1.5M | €2.2M | +30% |
| #19 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
| #20 | Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | 22 | 4 | €5.0M | €6.7M | +25% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
New York City FC's Máximo Carrizo has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Máximo Carrizo has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Santiago Morales with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Jonathan Shore of New York City 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 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | €494K | €426K-562K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | €149K | €128K-169K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #3 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #4 | Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | €143K | €124K-163K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #5 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €688K | €593K-783K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #7 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #8 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | €459K | €395K-522K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #9 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | €193K | €166K-220K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | €1.7M | €1.4M-1.9M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #11 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #12 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #13 | Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #14 | Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | €662K | €570K-753K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #15 | Miguel Perez St. Louis CITY SC | €331K | €285K-376K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #16 | Owen Wolff Austin FC | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #17 | Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | €1.1M | €950K-1.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #18 | Noel Buck San Jose Earthquakes | €2.0M | €1.7M-2.3M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #19 | Elijah Wynder Los Angeles Galaxy | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #20 | Hosei Kijima D.C. United | €642K | €565K-719K | +7% | 27.5 |
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 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)
Inter Miami CF's Santiago Morales in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-0.2%. That means Obed Vargas captures 25.6% of total market value while representing only 25.8% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is New York City FC's Jonathan Shore with a +-0.2% ASC (25.6% value share vs 25.8% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Cole Mrowka of Columbus Crew with a +-0.2% ASC (25.6% value vs 25.8% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-0.2% ASC means the player captures -0.2% 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 | Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #2 | Jonathan Shore New York City FC | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #3 | Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #4 | Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #5 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #6 | Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #7 | Niko Tsakiris San Jose Earthquakes | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #8 | Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | U21 | 25.6% | 25.8% | -0.2% |
| #9 | Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #10 | Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #11 | Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #12 | Nicolás Dubersarsky Austin FC | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #13 | Hosei Kijima D.C. United | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #14 | Beau Leroux San Jose Earthquakes | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #15 | Nikola Petković Seattle Sounders FC | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #16 | Will Reilly Atlanta United FC | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #17 | Elijah Wynder Los Angeles Galaxy | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #18 | Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #19 | Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
| #20 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | 21-23 | 74.4% | 74.2% | +0.2% |
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: 3 immediate targets, 28 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 €500K. 0 undervalued, 3 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wayne Frederick Colorado Rapids | €175K | €600K | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Alejandro Alvarado San Diego FC | €200K | €600K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Jack Panayotou New England Revolution | €200K | €600K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Santiago Morales Inter Miami CF | €125K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Cole Mrowka Columbus Crew | €125K | €600K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Markus Cimermancic Toronto FC | €300K | €600K | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Will Reilly Atlanta United FC | €300K | €600K | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Ivan Losenko CF Montréal | €300K | €600K | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Miguel Perez St. Louis CITY SC | €300K | €600K | -0.25 | Fair Value |
Elijah Wynder Los Angeles Galaxy | €500K | €600K | -0.08 | Fair Value |
Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | €400K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Ronald Donkor New York Red Bulls | €600K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Hosei Kijima D.C. United | €600K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jack McGlynn Houston Dynamo FC | €5.0M | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Quinn Sullivan Philadelphia Union | €5.0M | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Obed Vargas Seattle Sounders FC | €8.0M | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Brooklyn Raines New England Revolution | €600K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Máximo Carrizo New York City FC | €400K | €600K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jeevan Badwal Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €600K | €600K | +0.23 | Fair Value |
Sergio Oregel Chicago Fire FC | €1.0M | €600K | +0.33 | Fair Value |