Under 23 · MLS · 2026-27

Best U23 Young Left Wingers in the MLS

2 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Best Young Left Wingers in the MLS (Apr 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: MLS Young Left Wingers 2026-27

Our database tracked 2 MLS Young Left Wingers in the 2026-27 season, representing 2 clubs with a combined market value of €3.1M. The average market value for MLS Young Left Wingers was €1.6M, with the average age at 23.0 years old.

The most valuable young left winger in the MLS was Kenji Cabrera, worth €1.6M and played for Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Left Wingers averaged €1.6M in market value, including Alexis Manyoma.

Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young left winger was Kenji Cabrera (23 years, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, €1.6M), while the oldest was Kenji Cabrera (23 years, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, €1.6M). Research shows Young Left Wingers typically peak at age 26.

Historical analysis showed 2 Young Left Wingers (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 Wingers remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2026-27 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.

Market Intelligence

Explore Market Size by Position in MLS

Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Young Left Wingers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 2 clubs with €3.1M combined value.

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: MLS Young Left Wingers

The MLS LW market shows 1 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (2 players, 100% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €3.1M, averaging €1.6M per player.

21-23 years2 players (100%)

€3.1MAvg: €1.6M

Top player: Kenji Cabrera (€1.6M)

Top Young Left Wingers by Age Bracket

21-23 Years (2 players)

1. Kenji Cabrera(23yo)

€1.6M

2. Alexis Manyoma(23yo)

€1.5M

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

52%of market value

The top 1 Young Left Wingers (50% of players) control €1.6M

1. Kenji Cabrera€1.6M

Market Tiers

Emerging (<€5M)2 players (100%)

€3.1M

Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the MLS LW pool.

Emerging (<€5M)

1. Kenji Cabrera

Vancouver Whitecaps FC€1.6M

2. Alexis Manyoma

Colorado Rapids€1.5M

Club Distribution: MLS Young Left Wingers

Among 2 MLS clubs, Vancouver Whitecaps FC leads with 1 Young Left Wingers worth €1.6M (averaging €1.6M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Left Wingers.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

1 players • €1.6M

Colorado Rapids

1 players • €1.5M

Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1 Young Left Wingers)

Kenji Cabrera(23yo)

€1.6M

Colorado Rapids (1 Young Left Wingers)

Alexis Manyoma(23yo)

€1.5M

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

Kenji Cabrera

Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 23 years old

€1.4M

€1.6M

+15.6%

€1.5M€1.9M

Expected: €1.7M

35.1

Alexis Manyoma

Colorado Rapids • 23 years old

€1.3M

€1.5M

+15.6%

€1.4M€1.8M

Expected: €1.6M

34.3

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)

2 pre-peak players found. PPVE compares market value to age bracket median to identify exceptional value opportunities.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Kenji CabreraVancouver Whitecaps FC

21-23 • 23yo1.00×

€1.6M • 0% above median

Alexis ManyomaColorado Rapids

21-23 • 23yo0.94×

€1.5M • -6% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC	23	21-23	€1.6M	€1.6M	1.00×
#2	Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids	23	21-23	€1.5M	€1.6M	0.94×

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)

Colorado Rapids's Alexis Manyoma leads with +20% RPP, projected to appreciate 20% over 3 years to peak.

How RPP is calculated: RPP compares current market value to forecasted peak value. Target players with RPP ≥50% who are 2-3 years from peak for significant value appreciation potential.

Recovery Potential by Player

Alexis ManyomaColorado Rapids

3yr to peak+20%

€1.5M → €1.9M

Kenji CabreraVancouver Whitecaps FC

3yr to peak+20%

€1.6M → €2.0M

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids	23	3	€1.5M	€1.9M	+20%
#2	Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC	23	3	€1.6M	€2.0M	+20%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Colorado Rapids's Alexis Manyoma leads with 27.5 RAU (7% upside vs 0% uncertainty).

How RAU is calculated: RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %. Higher RAU means better risk-reward. Target RAU ≥2.0 for strong appreciation with manageable risk.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Alexis ManyomaColorado Rapids

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €1.4M - €1.8M

Kenji CabreraVancouver Whitecaps FC

↑7% / ±0%27.5

Range: €1.5M - €1.9M

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids	€1.6M	€1.4M-1.8M	+7%	27.5
#2	Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC	€1.7M	€1.5M-1.9M	+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 left winger position shows strong depth (avg Z-score: 0.00). RPI: 0.00.

Position Depth Analysis

Total Players

0.00

Avg Z-Score

0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

Kenji Cabrera+1.00

Alexis Manyoma+-1.00

Lowest Z-Scores

Alexis Manyoma-1.00

Kenji Cabrera1.00

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 Kenji Cabrera leads with +0.0% ASC (100.0% value share vs 100.0% player share in 21-23 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. ASC > +15% indicates elite players dominating their age group—marquee signings.

Value Concentration by Player

Kenji CabreraVancouver Whitecaps FC

21-230.0%

100.0% value share / 100.0% player share

Alexis ManyomaColorado Rapids

21-230.0%

100.0% value share / 100.0% player share

Rank	Player	Age Bracket	Value Share	Player Share	ASC
#1	Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC	21-23	100.0%	100.0%	0.0%
#2	Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids	21-23	100.0%	100.0%	0.0%

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, 2 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.

BUY NOW - High Upside

No players in this category

WATCH LIST - High Upside

No players in this category

BUY NOW - Medium Upside

Kenji Cabrera

23yo • Vancouver Whitecaps FC

€1.6M

Alexis Manyoma

23yo • Colorado Rapids

€1.5M

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 €1.6M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Alexis ManyomaColorado Rapids

€1.5M-1.00

Fair value

Kenji CabreraVancouver Whitecaps FC

€1.6M0.00

Fair value

Player	Market Value	Position Median	Z-Score	Assessment
Alexis Manyoma Colorado Rapids	€1.5M	€1.6M	-1.00	Good Value
Kenji Cabrera Vancouver Whitecaps FC	€1.6M	€1.6M	0.00	Fair Value

How We Rank MLS Young Left Wingers

Our Analytical Strength Score is calibrated specifically for young left wingers, 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 LW

Historical Achievement Index (35%)

Peak career market value for MLS young left wingers, 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 wingers, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.

Playing Time Utilization (18%)

Attackers with 2,200+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.

Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)

Attackers peak at 26 with fastest 7.0%/year decline (pace-dependent). 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.

LW Performance Benchmarks

Peak Age: 26 years (peak pace and finishing efficiency)

Decline Rate: 7.0% per year (fastest decline, pace-dependent position)

Optimal Minutes: 2,200-2,400 per season (high-intensity position requires rotation)

1-Year Market Value Forecast

Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:

• Age Factor: Attacker -7.0%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak

• 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: ±18% confidence interval (most volatile, form-dependent)

Research Foundation

• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young left wingers

• 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 Wingers in the 2026-27 season

Who are the most valuable Young Left Wingers in the MLS in 2026-27?

The most valuable young left winger in the MLS in 2026-27 is Kenji Cabrera, who is worth €1.6M and plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The second most valuable is Alexis Manyoma (€1.5M, Colorado Rapids). Our database tracks 2 MLS Young Left Wingers with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2026-27 season.

How are MLS Young Left Wingers ranked?

MLS Young Left Wingers are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Score, which is specifically calibrated for Young Left Wingers. 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 Wingers peak?

Attackers typically peak at age 26, with the fastest decline rate of 7.0% per year after peak. This reflects the position's heavy reliance on pace, acceleration, and explosive power, which deteriorate faster than technical skills. Research by Carmichael et al. (2020) confirms that forwards peak earlier and decline faster than any other position. The optimal playing time is around 2,200-2,400 minutes per season.

How much does it cost to sign a top young left winger from the MLS?

Transfer fees for MLS Young Left Wingers vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young left winger Kenji Cabrera (market value: €1.6M), estimated transfer fees would range from €1.3M to €2.2M 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 Wingers?

Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Young Left Wingers based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), 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—attackers have ±18% volatility (most volatile due to form-dependency). 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 winger data come from?

Our MLS young left winger data is sourced from APE Global Capital'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 2026-27 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.