Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Scottish Premiership
219 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Scottish Premiership (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 219 Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 167 clubs with a combined market value of €1.9B. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs is €8.8M, with the average age at 21.7 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Scottish Premiership is Dean Huijsen, worth €70.0M and playing for Real Madrid at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €62.0M in market value, including Pau Cubarsí and Levi Colwill.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Matteo Palma (18 years, Udinese Calcio, €2.5M), while the oldest is Levi Colwill (23 years, Chelsea FC, €55.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 219 Young Centre-Backs (100%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Scottish Premiership market for Young Centre-Backs remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected in the 2025-26 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 Scottish Premiership
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 167 clubs with €1.9B combined value.
Age Distribution: Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs
The Scottish Premiership CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (178 players, 81% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €1.5B, averaging €8.5M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (41 players)
21-23 Years (178 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 22 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €874.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 3% of the Scottish Premiership CB pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs
Among 167 Scottish Premiership clubs, Real Madrid leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €100.0M (averaging €50.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 11% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Real Madrid (2 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Barcelona (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Sporting CP (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Nottingham Forest (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Dean Huijsen
Real Madrid • 21 years old
€60.5M
€70.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €80.3M
92.2
Pau Cubarsí
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€69.2M
€80.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €99.1M
91.1
Levi Colwill
Chelsea FC • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
90.4
Murillo
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
90.2
Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton FC • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
89.0
Leny Yoro
Manchester United • 20 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €65.6M
88.5
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€36.3M
€42.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €46.8M
87.0
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
86.8
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €44.6M
86.2
Abdukodir Khusanov
Manchester City • 22 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.6M
84.1
Giorgio Scalvini
Atalanta BC • 22 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.6M
84.0
Tomás Araújo
SL Benfica • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.7M
83.2
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
82.6
Raúl Asencio
Real Madrid • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
79.2
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal FC • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
78.0
Joel Ordóñez
Club Brugge KV • 22 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.6M
77.3
Vitor Reis
Girona FC • 20 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €34.4M
77.2
Lucas Beraldo
Paris Saint-Germain • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.3
Renato Veiga
Villarreal CF • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.2
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)
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen at 21 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 17.50×. That means Dean Huijsen is valued 17.50× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí, who is 19 years old, with a 16.00× PPVE. Third is Murillo of Nottingham Forest, who is 23 years old with a 13.75× 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 17.50× means the player is worth 1650% 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 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | 21 | 21-23 | €70.0M | €4.0M | 17.50× |
| #2 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €80.0M | €5.0M | 16.00× |
| #3 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €4.0M | 13.75× |
| #4 | Levi Colwill Chelsea FC | 23 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €4.0M | 13.75× |
| #5 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #6 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #7 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | 20 | U21 | €55.0M | €5.0M | 11.00× |
| #8 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €42.0M | €4.0M | 10.50× |
| #9 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €4.0M | 10.00× |
| #10 | Giorgio Scalvini Atalanta BC | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #11 | Abdukodir Khusanov Manchester City | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #12 | Tomás Araújo SL Benfica | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €4.0M | 8.00× |
| #13 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €4.0M | 8.00× |
| #14 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €4.0M | 7.50× |
| #15 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €4.0M | 7.50× |
| #16 | Raúl Asencio Real Madrid | 23 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €4.0M | 7.50× |
| #17 | Joel Ordóñez Club Brugge KV | 22 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €4.0M | 7.00× |
| #18 | Konstantinos Koulierakis VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €4.0M | 6.25× |
| #19 | Pietro Comuzzo ACF Fiorentina | 21 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €4.0M | 6.25× |
| #20 | Renato Veiga Villarreal CF | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €4.0M | 6.25× |
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)
Udinese Calcio's Matteo Palma at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Matteo Palma is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Crystal Palace's Jaydee Canvot, who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Joane Gadou of Red Bull Salzburg, 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 | Matteo Palma Udinese Calcio | 18 | 8 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #2 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #3 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #4 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | 7 | €18.0M | €29.9M | +40% |
| #5 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €3.5M | €5.8M | +40% |
| #6 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #7 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.0M | +40% |
| #8 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #9 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #10 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | 19 | 7 | €1.8M | €3.0M | +40% |
| #11 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #12 | David Odogu AC Milan | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €8.3M | +40% |
| #13 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | 7 | €6.0M | €10.0M | +40% |
| #14 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #15 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €80.0M | €133.0M | +40% |
| #16 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Red Star FC | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #17 | Fellipe Jack Spezia Calcio | 20 | 6 | €1.4M | €2.2M | +35% |
| #18 | Taras Mykhavko Dynamo Kyiv | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
| #19 | Yusuf Akçiçek Al-Hilal SFC | 20 | 6 | €12.0M | €18.5M | +35% |
| #20 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | 20 | 6 | €6.0M | €9.3M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 70.0. That means Pau Cubarsí has 24% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Udinese Calcio's Matteo Palma with a 68.9 RAU (23% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Leny Yoro of Manchester United with a 58.7 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 70.0 means the upside is 70.0× 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 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Matteo Palma Udinese Calcio | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #3 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #4 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #6 | David Odogu AC Milan | €6.0M | €5.1M-6.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | €21.4M | €18.5M-24.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | €3.6M | €3.1M-4.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €7.1M | €6.2M-8.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Joachim Kayi Sanda Red Star FC | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €4.2M | €3.6M-4.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Nidal Celik RC Lens | €2.1M | €1.8M-2.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Dean Huijsen Real Madrid | €80.3M | €69.2M-91.4M | +15% | 46.6 |
| #19 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | €4.6M | €4.0M-5.2M | +15% | 46.3 |
| #20 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | €9.2M | €7.9M-10.4M | +15% | 46.3 |
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 centre-back position shows weak 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)
AA Argentinos Juniors's Tobías Ramírez in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +2.6%. That means Pau Cubarsí captures 21.3% of total market value while representing only 18.7% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is CA Rosario Central's Juan Giménez with a +2.6% ASC (21.3% value share vs 18.7% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Jérémy Jacquet of Stade Rennais FC with a +2.6% ASC (21.3% value vs 18.7% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +2.6% ASC means the player captures 2.6% 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 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #2 | Juan Giménez CA Rosario Central | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #3 | Jérémy Jacquet Stade Rennais FC | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #4 | Fellipe Jack Spezia Calcio | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #5 | Vitor Reis Girona FC | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #6 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #7 | Jon Martín Real Sociedad | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #8 | Yasin Özcan RSC Anderlecht | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #9 | Matteo Palma Udinese Calcio | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #10 | Taras Mykhavko Dynamo Kyiv | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #11 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #12 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #13 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #14 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #15 | Yusuf Akçiçek Al-Hilal SFC | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #16 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #17 | Juma Bah OGC Nice | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #18 | Aarón Anselmino Borussia Dortmund | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #19 | Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
| #20 | Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | U21 | 21.3% | 18.7% | +2.6% |
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: 17 immediate targets, 202 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 €80.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vince Osuji Club Brugge KV | €1.2M | €4.0M | -1.08 | Good Value |
Leny Yoro Manchester United | €55.0M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Fellipe Jack Spezia Calcio | €1.4M | €4.0M | -0.92 | Good Value |
Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Joachim Kayi Sanda Red Star FC | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Josué Kongolo KRC Genk | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Daniel Herrera CA San Lorenzo de Almagro | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Maksym Dyachuk Lechia Gdansk | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Alexander Busch Silkeborg IF | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Kévin Keben Watford FC | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Samuel Kotto KAA Gent | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Juan Jose Arias Atlético Nacional | €1.2M | €4.0M | -0.65 | Good Value |
Jon Martín Real Sociedad | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Ayden Heaven Manchester United | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Sadibou Sané FC Metz | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
André Amaro Al-Rayyan SC | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Ahmetcan Kaplan NEC Nijmegen | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Taha Altıkardeş Göztepe | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
Victor Gabriel Sport Club Internacional | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |
David Odogu AC Milan | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.63 | Good Value |