Best U23 Young Left-Backs in the MLS
15 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Left-Backs in the MLS (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Young Left-Backs 2024-25
Our database tracked 15 MLS Young Left-Backs in the 2024-25 season, representing 13 clubs with a combined market value of €16.7M. The average market value for MLS Young Left-Backs was €1.1M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young left-back in the MLS was Peyton Miller, worth €3.0M and played for New England Revolution at 18 years old. The top 5 Young Left-Backs averaged €2.2M in market value, including Luca Bombino and Julián Aude.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young left-back was Peyton Miller (18 years, New England Revolution, €3.0M), while the oldest was Julián Aude (23 years, Los Angeles Galaxy, €2.0M). Research shows Young Left-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 15 Young Left-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 Left-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2024-25 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 Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 13 clubs with €16.7M 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 (10 players, 67% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €9.3M, averaging €935K per player.
Top Young Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Left-Backs (13% of players) control €5.5M
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 13 MLS clubs, New England Revolution leads with 1 Young Left-Backs worth €3.0M (averaging €3.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 73% of tracked Young Left-Backs.
New England Revolution (1 Young Left-Backs)
San Diego FC (2 Young Left-Backs)
Los Angeles Galaxy (1 Young Left-Backs)
Los Angeles FC (1 Young Left-Backs)
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
€2.6M
€3.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.7M
39.9
Luca Bombino
San Diego FC • 19 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
38.2
Julián Aude
Los Angeles Galaxy • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Artem Smolyakov
Los Angeles FC • 23 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.6
Noah Allen
Inter Miami CF • 22 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
35.9
Tate Johnson
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 20 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.5
Omar Valencia
New York Red Bulls • 22 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
30.9
Reed Baker-Whiting
Seattle Sounders FC • 21 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €882K
25.2
Devin Padelford
Minnesota United FC • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Ian Smith
Portland Timbers • 23 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €535K
20.6
Jackson Travis
Colorado Rapids • 22 years old
€303K
€350K
+15.6%
Expected: €370K
15.6
Nolan Norris
FC Dallas • 21 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €276K
10.8
Joshua Torquato
FC Dallas • 18 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
Expected: €247K
6.2
Kieran Sargeant
San Diego FC • 23 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €161K
5.6
Tristan Brown
Columbus Crew • 18 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €185K
2.6
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)
Los Angeles Galaxy's Julián Aude at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.50×. That means Julián Aude is valued 2.50× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Inter Miami CF's Noah Allen, who is 22 years old, with a 2.25× PPVE. Third is Artem Smolyakov of Los Angeles FC, who is 23 years old with a 2.25× 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 2.50× means the player is worth 150% 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 | Julián Aude Los Angeles Galaxy | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €800K | 2.50× |
| #2 | Noah Allen Inter Miami CF | 22 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €800K | 2.25× |
| #3 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €800K | 2.25× |
| #4 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | 18 | U21 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00× |
| #5 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67× |
| #6 | Omar Valencia New York Red Bulls | 22 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €800K | 1.50× |
| #7 | Tate Johnson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00× |
| #8 | Reed Baker-Whiting Seattle Sounders FC | 21 | 21-23 | €800K | €800K | 1.00× |
| #9 | Ian Smith Portland Timbers | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €800K | 0.63× |
| #10 | Devin Padelford Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €800K | 0.63× |
| #11 | Jackson Travis Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €350K | €800K | 0.44× |
| #12 | Nolan Norris FC Dallas | 21 | 21-23 | €250K | €800K | 0.31× |
| #13 | Kieran Sargeant San Diego FC | 23 | 21-23 | €150K | €800K | 0.19× |
| #14 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | 18 | U21 | €200K | €1.5M | 0.13× |
| #15 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | 18 | U21 | €150K | €1.5M | 0.10× |
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 England Revolution's Peyton Miller at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Peyton Miller is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Dallas's Joshua Torquato, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Tristan Brown of Columbus Crew, who is 18 years old with a +44% RPP (8 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 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | 18 | 8 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #2 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | 18 | 8 | €200K | €357K | +44% |
| #3 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | 18 | 8 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #4 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #5 | Tate Johnson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #6 | Nolan Norris FC Dallas | 21 | 5 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #7 | Reed Baker-Whiting Seattle Sounders FC | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.1M | +30% |
| #8 | Jackson Travis Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €350K | €468K | +25% |
| #9 | Omar Valencia New York Red Bulls | 22 | 4 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #10 | Noah Allen Inter Miami CF | 22 | 4 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #11 | Kieran Sargeant San Diego FC | 23 | 3 | €150K | €186K | +20% |
| #12 | Ian Smith Portland Timbers | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
| #13 | Julián Aude Los Angeles Galaxy | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #14 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
| #15 | Devin Padelford Minnesota United FC | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
New England Revolution's Peyton Miller has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Peyton Miller has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Columbus Crew's Tristan Brown with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Joshua Torquato of FC Dallas 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 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | €3.7M | €3.2M-4.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #2 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | €185K | €160K-211K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | €247K | €213K-281K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Tate Johnson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €1.7M | €1.5M-2.0M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #6 | Nolan Norris FC Dallas | €276K | €238K-314K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #7 | Reed Baker-Whiting Seattle Sounders FC | €882K | €760K-1.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #8 | Ian Smith Portland Timbers | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Julián Aude Los Angeles Galaxy | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #10 | Devin Padelford Minnesota United FC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #11 | Kieran Sargeant San Diego FC | €161K | €141K-180K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #12 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #13 | Omar Valencia New York Red Bulls | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #14 | Jackson Travis Colorado Rapids | €370K | €326K-415K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #15 | Noah Allen Inter Miami CF | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +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 left-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)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Tate Johnson in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +10.7%. That means Peyton Miller captures 44.0% of total market value while representing only 33.3% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is New England Revolution's Peyton Miller with a +10.7% ASC (44.0% value share vs 33.3% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Luca Bombino of San Diego FC with a +10.7% ASC (44.0% value vs 33.3% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +10.7% ASC means the player captures 10.7% 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 | Tate Johnson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | U21 | 44.0% | 33.3% | +10.7% |
| #2 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | U21 | 44.0% | 33.3% | +10.7% |
| #3 | Luca Bombino San Diego FC | U21 | 44.0% | 33.3% | +10.7% |
| #4 | Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | U21 | 44.0% | 33.3% | +10.7% |
| #5 | Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | U21 | 44.0% | 33.3% | +10.7% |
| #6 | Omar Valencia New York Red Bulls | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #7 | Kieran Sargeant San Diego FC | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #8 | Ian Smith Portland Timbers | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #9 | Julián Aude Los Angeles Galaxy | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #10 | Reed Baker-Whiting Seattle Sounders FC | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #11 | Noah Allen Inter Miami CF | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #12 | Nolan Norris FC Dallas | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #13 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #14 | Jackson Travis Colorado Rapids | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
| #15 | Devin Padelford Minnesota United FC | 21-23 | 56.0% | 66.7% | -10.7% |
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: 4 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 €1.5M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tristan Brown Columbus Crew | €150K | €800K | -0.59 | Good Value |
Joshua Torquato FC Dallas | €200K | €800K | -0.57 | Good Value |
Kieran Sargeant San Diego FC | €150K | €800K | -0.45 | Fair Value |
Nolan Norris FC Dallas | €250K | €800K | -0.38 | Fair Value |
Jackson Travis Colorado Rapids | €350K | €800K | -0.31 | Fair Value |
Ian Smith Portland Timbers | €500K | €800K | -0.21 | Fair Value |
Devin Padelford Minnesota United FC | €500K | €800K | -0.21 | Fair Value |
Tate Johnson Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €1.5M | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Reed Baker-Whiting Seattle Sounders FC | €800K | €800K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Omar Valencia New York Red Bulls | €1.2M | €800K | +0.28 | Fair Value |
Luca Bombino San Diego FC | €2.5M | €800K | +0.43 | Fair Value |
Peyton Miller New England Revolution | €3.0M | €800K | +0.65 | Above Market |
Noah Allen Inter Miami CF | €1.8M | €800K | +0.69 | Above Market |
Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles FC | €1.8M | €800K | +0.69 | Above Market |
Julián Aude Los Angeles Galaxy | €2.0M | €800K | +0.83 | Above Market |