Best U23 Young Left-Backs in the MLS
20 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Left-Backs in the MLS (Oct 2026)
20 players tracked across 15 clubs. Updated October 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.
Peyton Miller
New England Revolution • 18 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.2M
50.0
Elías Báez
Atlanta United Football Club • 21 years old
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
42.2
Luca Bombino
San Diego Football Club • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.6
Matthew Dos Santos
Red Bull New York • 18 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.9M
39.0
Julián Aude
Los Angeles Galaxy • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
37.6
Noah Allen
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
37.3
Tate Johnson
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 21 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
37.0
Artem Smolyakov
Los Angeles Football Club • 23 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
34.0
Philippe Ndinga
Philadelphia Union • 21 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
30.6
Kieran Sargeant
San Diego Football Club • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
28.8
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Sign up freePeyton Miller
New England Revolution · 18 years old
50.0
ASI
Current Value
€4.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€4.6M - €5.8M
Elías Báez
Atlanta United Football Club · 21 years old
42.2
ASI
Current Value
€3.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.7M - €3.4M
Luca Bombino
San Diego Football Club · 20 years old
39.6
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.4M - €3.1M
Matthew Dos Santos
Red Bull New York · 18 years old
39.0
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.6M - €3.2M
Julián Aude
Los Angeles Galaxy · 23 years old
37.6
ASI
Current Value
€2.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.7M - €2.1M
Noah Allen
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami · 22 years old
37.3
ASI
Current Value
€2.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Tate Johnson
Vancouver Whitecaps FC · 21 years old
37.0
ASI
Current Value
€2.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Artem Smolyakov
Los Angeles Football Club · 23 years old
34.0
ASI
Current Value
€1.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Philippe Ndinga
Philadelphia Union · 21 years old
30.6
ASI
Current Value
€1.2M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Kieran Sargeant
San Diego Football Club · 23 years old
28.8
ASI
Current Value
€1.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: MLS Young Left-Backs (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 20 MLS Young Left-Backs as of October 2026, representing 15 clubs with a combined market value of €27.0M. The average market value for MLS Young Left-Backs is €1.3M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young left-back in the MLS is Peyton Miller, worth €4.5M and playing for New England Revolution at 18 years old. The top 5 Young Left-Backs average €2.9M in market value, including Elías Báez and Luca Bombino.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young left-back is Peyton Miller (18 years, New England Revolution, €4.5M), while the oldest is Julián Aude (23 years, Los Angeles Galaxy, €2.0M). Research shows Young Left-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 16 Young Left-Backs (80%) 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 Left-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 15 clubs with €27.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Young Left-Backs
The MLS LB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (13 players, 65% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €16.8M, averaging €1.3M per player.
Top Young Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (7 players)
21-23 Years (13 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Left-Backs (10% of players) control €7.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS LB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Young Left-Backs
Among 15 MLS clubs, New England Revolution leads with 1 Young Left-Backs worth €4.5M (averaging €4.5M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 70% of tracked Young Left-Backs.
New England Revolution (1 Young Left-Backs)
San Diego Football Club (2 Young Left-Backs)
Red Bull New York (2 Young Left-Backs)
Atlanta United Football Club (2 Young Left-Backs)
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)
New England Revolution's Peyton Miller at 18 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 22.50×. That means Peyton Miller is valued 22.50× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is San Diego Football Club's Luca Bombino, who is 20 years old, with a 12.50× PPVE. Third is Matthew Dos Santos of Red Bull New York, who is 18 years old with a 12.50× 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 22.50× means the player is worth 2150% 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 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | 18 | U21 | €4.5M | €200K | 22.50x |
| #2 | Luca Bombino San Diego Football Club | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €200K | 12.50x |
| #3 | Matthew Dos Santos Red Bull New York | 18 | U21 | €2.5M | €200K | 12.50x |
| #4 | Elías Báez Atlanta United Football Club | 21 | 21-23 | €3.0M | €1.0M | 3.00x |
| #5 | Tate Johnson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00x |
| #6 | Julián Aude Los Angeles Galaxy | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00x |
| #7 | Noah Allen Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00x |
| #8 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €1.5M | €1.0M | 1.50x |
| #9 | Philippe Ndinga Philadelphia Union | 21 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20x |
| #10 | Omar Valencia Red Bull New York | 22 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00x |
| #11 | Kieran Sargeant San Diego Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.0M | 1.00x |
| #12 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | 19 | U21 | €200K | €200K | 1.00x |
| #13 | Tahir Reid-Brown Orlando City Soccer Club | 20 | U21 | €200K | €200K | 1.00x |
| #14 | Reed Baker-Whiting Nashville SC | 21 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80x |
| #15 | Jackson Travis Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €1.0M | 0.80x |
| #16 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | 18 | U21 | €150K | €200K | 0.75x |
| #17 | Dominik Chong Qui Atlanta United Football Club | 18 | U21 | €150K | €200K | 0.75x |
| #18 | Mihail Gherasimencov Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50x |
| #19 | Nolan Norris FC Dallas | 21 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50x |
| #20 | Devin Padelford Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €1.0M | 0.50x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for MLS Young Left-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for MLS Young Left-Backs.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for MLS Young Left-Backs.
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for MLS Young Left-Backs.
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank MLS Young Left-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young left-backs, 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 LB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS young left-backs, 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 left-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. 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.
LB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
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 28: +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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young left-backs
• 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 Left-Backs, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Young Left-Backs in the MLS right now?
The most valuable young left-back in the MLS today is Peyton Miller, who is worth €4.5M and plays for New England Revolution. The second most valuable is Elías Báez (€3.0M, Atlanta United Football Club), followed by Luca Bombino (€2.5M, San Diego Football Club). Our database tracks 20 MLS Young Left-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are MLS Young Left-Backs ranked?
MLS Young Left-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Left-Backs. 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 Left-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young left-back from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Young Left-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young left-back Peyton Miller (market value: €4.5M), estimated transfer fees would range from €3.6M to €6.3M 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 Left-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Young Left-Backs 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-defenders have ±10% 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 left-back data come from?
Our MLS young left-back 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 (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.