Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Scottish Premiership
231 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Scottish Premiership (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 231 Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 179 clubs with a combined market value of €2.1B. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Young Centre-Backs is €9.1M, with the average age at 22 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 €61.0M in market value, including Pau Cubarsí and Murillo.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Honest Ahanor (18 years, Atalanta BC, €25.0M), while the oldest is Murillo (23 years, Nottingham Forest, €55.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 231 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 179 clubs with €2.1B 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 (192 players, 83% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €1.6B, averaging €8.3M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (39 players)
21-23 Years (192 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 24 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €941.0M
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 179 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 10% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Real Madrid (2 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Barcelona (1 Young Centre-Backs)
Sporting CP (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Paris Saint-Germain (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. 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
Murillo
Nottingham Forest • 23 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €61.3M
90.2
Levi Colwill
Chelsea FC • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
89.2
Ilya Zabarnyi
Paris Saint-Germain • 23 years old
€43.2M
€50.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €55.7M
89.2
Leny Yoro
Manchester United • 20 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €65.6M
88.5
Castello Lukeba
RB Leipzig • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
87.7
Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton FC • 23 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €50.1M
87.7
Ousmane Diomande
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
86.8
Jarell Quansah
Bayer 04 Leverkusen • 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
Luka Vuskovic
Hamburger SV • 19 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €49.6M
83.8
Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal FC • 21 years old
€30.3M
€35.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €40.2M
83.5
Raúl Asencio
Real Madrid • 23 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
79.2
António Silva
SL Benfica • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
Zeno Debast
Sporting CP • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €31.8M
78.2
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
Renato Veiga
Villarreal CF • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
76.2
Giorgio Scalvini
Atalanta BC • 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 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #5 | Ilya Zabarnyi Paris Saint-Germain | 23 | 21-23 | €50.0M | €4.0M | 12.50× |
| #6 | Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #7 | Jarrad Branthwaite Everton FC | 23 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #8 | Ousmane Diomande Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €4.0M | 11.25× |
| #9 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | 20 | U21 | €55.0M | €5.0M | 11.00× |
| #10 | Jarell Quansah Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 23 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €4.0M | 10.00× |
| #11 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | 21 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #12 | Abdukodir Khusanov Manchester City | 22 | 21-23 | €35.0M | €4.0M | 8.75× |
| #13 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | U21 | €40.0M | €5.0M | 8.00× |
| #14 | Zeno Debast Sporting CP | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €4.0M | 7.50× |
| #15 | António Silva SL Benfica | 22 | 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 | Giorgio Scalvini Atalanta BC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €4.0M | 6.25× |
| #19 | Konstantinos Koulierakis VfL Wolfsburg | 22 | 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)
Atalanta BC's Honest Ahanor at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Honest Ahanor is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is UC Sampdoria's Matteo Palma, who is 18 years old, with a +44% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Gonçalo Oliveira of SL Benfica B, 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 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | 8 | €25.0M | €44.7M | +44% |
| #2 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | 18 | 8 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #3 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #4 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #5 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #6 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | 19 | 7 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
| #7 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | 19 | 7 | €25.0M | €41.5M | +40% |
| #8 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #9 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | 19 | 7 | €20.0M | €33.2M | +40% |
| #10 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #11 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #12 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #13 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €16.6M | +40% |
| #14 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #15 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.5M | +40% |
| #16 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | 19 | 7 | €40.0M | €66.5M | +40% |
| #17 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | 19 | 7 | €12.0M | €19.9M | +40% |
| #18 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €80.0M | €133.0M | +40% |
| #19 | Emmanuel Kakou Cercle Brugge | 20 | 6 | €1.5M | €2.3M | +35% |
| #20 | Ashley Phillips Stoke City | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €4.6M | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Hamburger SV's Luka Vuskovic 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 FC Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí with a 70.0 RAU (24% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Matteo Palma of UC Sampdoria 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 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 | Luka Vuskovic Hamburger SV | €49.6M | €42.7M-56.4M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #2 | Pau Cubarsí FC Barcelona | €99.1M | €85.5M-112.8M | +24% | 70.0 |
| #3 | Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | €6.2M | €5.3M-7.0M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #4 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | €30.9M | €26.6M-35.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Leny Yoro Manchester United | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #6 | Gonçalo Oliveira SL Benfica B | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #7 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #8 | Tobías Ramírez AA Argentinos Juniors | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #9 | Jaydee Canvot Crystal Palace | €23.8M | €20.5M-27.1M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #10 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #11 | Ayden Heaven Manchester United | €11.9M | €10.3M-13.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #12 | Wojciech Mońka Lech Poznan | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Joane Gadou Red Bull Salzburg | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Iván Román Clube Atlético Mineiro | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Bright Ede Motor Lublin | €1.8M | €1.5M-2.0M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Lucas Høgsberg RC Strasbourg Alsace | €14.3M | €12.3M-16.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Giovanni Leoni Liverpool FC | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Finn Jeltsch VfB Stuttgart | €29.8M | €25.7M-33.9M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €17.9M | €15.4M-20.3M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Cristhian Mosquera Arsenal FC | €40.2M | €34.6M-45.7M | +15% | 46.6 |
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)
FC Cincinnati's Gilberto Flores in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-7.3%. That means Dean Huijsen captures 75.8% of total market value while representing only 83.1% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is AS Monaco's Christian Mawissa with a +-7.3% ASC (75.8% value share vs 83.1% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Murillo of Nottingham Forest with a +-7.3% ASC (75.8% value vs 83.1% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-7.3% ASC means the player captures -7.3% 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 | Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #2 | Christian Mawissa AS Monaco | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #3 | Murillo Nottingham Forest | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #4 | Tchoca Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #5 | João Tornich LASK | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #6 | Junior Diaz Stade Brestois 29 | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #7 | Matte Smets KRC Genk | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #8 | Lautaro Di Lollo CA Boca Juniors | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #9 | Ismaëlo Ganiou RC Lens | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #10 | Kevin Jappert CA Barracas Central | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #11 | Nobel Mendy Rayo Vallecano | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #12 | Fallou Fall St. Louis CITY SC | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #13 | Tomás Avilés CF Montréal | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #14 | Taras Mykhavko Dynamo Kyiv | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #15 | Olwethu Makhanya Philadelphia Union | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #16 | Emmanuel Biumla Angers SCO | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #17 | Javi Rodríguez Celta de Vigo | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #18 | Jonathan Jesus Cruzeiro Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #19 | Jorge Berlanga CF Pachuca | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
| #20 | Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | 21-23 | 75.8% | 83.1% | -7.3% |
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: 19 immediate targets, 212 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, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Vitor Reis Girona FC | €30.0M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Leny Yoro Manchester United | €55.0M | €4.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Gilberto Flores FC Cincinnati | €1.3M | €4.0M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Andrea Papetti AC Reggiana 1919 | €1.4M | €4.0M | -0.73 | Good Value |
Yasin Özcan Besiktas JK | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Matteo Palma UC Sampdoria | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.71 | Good Value |
David Odogu AC Milan | €5.0M | €4.0M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Noahkai Banks FC Augsburg | €15.0M | €4.0M | -0.71 | Good Value |
João Tornich LASK | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Jorge Berlanga CF Pachuca | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Diogo Bagüí CS Emelec | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Juanma Herzog UD Las Palmas | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Mamadou Thierno Barry Union Saint-Gilloise | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Daan Dierckx Standard Liège | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Anselmo García MacNulty PEC Zwolle | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
James Abankwah Watford FC | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Alexios Kalogeropoulos Olympiacos Piraeus | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Lucas Noubi Deportivo de La Coruña | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Kaiky Shabab Al-Ahli Club | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |
Oskar Wójcik Cracovia | €1.5M | €4.0M | -0.67 | Good Value |