Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Scottish Premiership
189 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Scottish Premiership (Apr 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders 2024-25
Our database tracked 189 Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2024-25 season, representing 166 clubs with a combined market value of €868.4M. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders was €4.6M, with the average age at 21.7 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Scottish Premiership was Ryan Gravenberch, worth €75.0M and played for Liverpool FC at 23 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €51.0M in market value, including Aleksandar Pavlovic and Adam Wharton.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Marc Bernal (18 years, FC Barcelona, €10.0M), while the oldest was Ryan Gravenberch (23 years, Liverpool FC, €75.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 189 Young Defensive Midfielders (100%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Scottish Premiership market for Young Defensive Midfielders remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity 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 Scottish Premiership
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 166 clubs with €868.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders
The Scottish Premiership CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (153 players, 81% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €767.5M, averaging €5.0M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (36 players)
21-23 Years (153 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 19 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €500.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with elite (€50m+) tier representing 1% of the Scottish Premiership CDM pool.
Elite (€50M+)
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Club Distribution: Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders
Among 166 Scottish Premiership clubs, Liverpool FC leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €84.0M (averaging €42.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 8% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Liverpool FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Brighton & Hove Albion (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Chelsea FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Bayern Munich (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool FC • 23 years old
€64.9M
€75.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €82.6M
94.6
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 21 years old
€47.6M
€55.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €65.6M
90.2
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€38.9M
€45.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €51.6M
87.9
Roméo Lavia
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.9M
86.6
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 22 years old
€34.6M
€40.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €45.9M
86.4
Ardon Jashari
AC Milan • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
84.0
Marc Casadó
FC Barcelona • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
79.4
Jack Hinshelwood
Brighton & Hove Albion • 21 years old
€20.8M
€24.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.5M
76.0
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille • 21 years old
€19.0M
€22.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €25.2M
74.8
Dário Essugo
Chelsea FC • 21 years old
€17.3M
€20.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €22.9M
73.8
Lesley Ugochukwu
Burnley FC • 22 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.8M
72.7
Máximo Perrone
Como 1907 • 23 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.9M
70.8
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.2M
70.0
Mandela Keita
Parma Calcio 1913 • 23 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.7M
68.0
Soungoutou Magassa
West Ham United • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.6
Aleksandar Stanković
Club Brugge KV • 20 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.5M
67.5
Shea Charles
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.3
Reda Belahyane
SS Lazio • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €11.5M
61.3
Marc Bernal
FC Barcelona • 18 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.8M
60.2
Stefan Bajcetic
Liverpool FC • 21 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.3M
60.1
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)
Liverpool FC's Ryan Gravenberch at 23 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 50.00×. That means Ryan Gravenberch is valued 50.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic, who is 21 years old, with a 36.67× PPVE. Third is Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, who is 22 years old with a 30.00× 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 50.00× means the player is worth 4900% 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 | Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool FC | 23 | 21-23 | €75.0M | €1.5M | 50.00× |
| #2 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 21 | 21-23 | €55.0M | €1.5M | 36.67× |
| #3 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €45.0M | €1.5M | 30.00× |
| #4 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €1.5M | 26.67× |
| #5 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €40.0M | €1.5M | 26.67× |
| #6 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.5M | 21.33× |
| #7 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.5M | 20.00× |
| #8 | Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | 21 | 21-23 | €24.0M | €1.5M | 16.00× |
| #9 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €1.5M | 14.67× |
| #10 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.5M | 13.33× |
| #11 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.5M | 12.00× |
| #12 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | 20 | U21 | €13.0M | €1.2M | 10.83× |
| #13 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.5M | 10.00× |
| #14 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €1.5M | 10.00× |
| #15 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 18 | U21 | €10.0M | €1.2M | 8.33× |
| #16 | Mandela Keita Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #17 | Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #18 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #19 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | U21 | €8.0M | €1.2M | 6.67× |
| #20 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €1.2M | 6.67× |
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)
FC Barcelona's Marc Bernal at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Marc Bernal is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio, who is 18 years old, with a +48% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Zé Lucas of Sport Club do Recife, who is 18 years old with a +48% 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 48% RPP means the player is expected to gain 48% 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 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 18 | 8 | €10.0M | €19.2M | +48% |
| #2 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #3 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | 8 | €5.0M | €9.6M | +48% |
| #4 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #5 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #6 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #7 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #8 | Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #9 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #10 | Enoch Mastoras AZ Alkmaar U21 | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #11 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #12 | Matías Galindo Club A.B.B. | 20 | 6 | €400K | €665K | +40% |
| #13 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #14 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | 6 | €8.0M | €13.3M | +40% |
| #15 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | 20 | 6 | €5.5M | €9.1M | +40% |
| #16 | Yunus Konak Brentford FC | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
| #17 | Amadou Koné NEOM SC | 20 | 6 | €4.0M | €6.6M | +40% |
| #18 | Luca Lipani US Sassuolo | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €7.5M | +40% |
| #19 | Samuele Di Benedetto VfB Stuttgart II | 20 | 6 | €600K | €997K | +40% |
| #20 | David Ozoh Derby County | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.3M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Barcelona's Marc Bernal has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Marc Bernal has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Sport Club do Recife's Zé Lucas with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Jorthy Mokio of Ajax Amsterdam with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 79.0 means the upside is 79.0× 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 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.8M | €11.0M-14.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €6.4M | €5.5M-7.3M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Luis Otávio Sport Club Internacional | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €3.7M | €3.2M-4.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Enoch Mastoras AZ Alkmaar U21 | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | €65.6M | €56.6M-74.7M | +19% | 58.7 |
| #12 | Samuele Di Benedetto VfB Stuttgart II | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #13 | Baran Gezek Eyüpspor | €1.4M | €1.2M-1.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #14 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €6.5M | €5.6M-7.5M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #15 | Camilo Rey Domenech CA Boca Juniors | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Juan Sebastián Rodríguez CD Tondela | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | €9.5M | €8.2M-10.8M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Amadou Koné NEOM SC | €4.8M | €4.1M-5.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | €15.5M | €13.3M-17.6M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Henrique Arreiol Legia Warszawa | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
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 defensive midfielder 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)
Sport Club Corinthians Paulista's Ryan in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +7.4%. That means Ryan Gravenberch captures 88.4% of total market value while representing only 81.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Nantes's Junior Mwanga with a +7.4% ASC (88.4% value share vs 81.0% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Ngal'ayel Mukau of LOSC Lille with a +7.4% ASC (88.4% value vs 81.0% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +7.4% ASC means the player captures 7.4% 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 | Ryan Sport Club Corinthians Paulista | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #2 | Junior Mwanga FC Nantes | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #3 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #4 | Rodrigo Chagas CA Juventud | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #5 | Marco Salazar Club Always Ready | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #6 | Lautaro López Lommel SK | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #7 | Elián Irala Shabab Al-Ahli Club | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #8 | Ibrahima Sory Bangoura KRC Genk | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #9 | Djibril Soumaré Sheffield United | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #10 | Mauricio Benítez Royal Antwerp FC | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #11 | Manuel Keliano Akhmat Grozny | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #12 | Theofanis Bakoulas Rio Ave FC | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #13 | Charlys AC Reggiana 1919 | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #14 | Patrick Clube Atlético Mineiro | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #15 | Bernardo Parra Tigres UANL | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #16 | Víctor Arteaga Deportivo Toluca | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #17 | Víctor Ríos Atlas Guadalajara | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #18 | Ervin Vaca Bolívar La Paz | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #19 | Anthony Dennis Göztepe | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
| #20 | Paulo Vitor Criciúma Esporte Clube | 21-23 | 88.4% | 81.0% | +7.4% |
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: 37 immediate targets, 152 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 €900K. 0 undervalued, 20 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | €30.0M | €1.5M | -1.25 | Good Value |
Ardon Jashari AC Milan | €32.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | €55.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | €15.0M | €1.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | €15.0M | €1.5M | -0.71 | Good Value |
Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Elián Irala Shabab Al-Ahli Club | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.5M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Alonzo Engwanda FC Utrecht | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Toby Collyer West Bromwich Albion | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Fidel Ambríz CF Monterrey | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Mattias Jakobsen HB Köge | €400K | €1.5M | -0.46 | Fair Value |
Marco Salazar Club Always Ready | €450K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Charlys AC Reggiana 1919 | €450K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Xander Blomme Go Ahead Eagles | €450K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Jan Bieganski Pogon Szczecin | €450K | €1.5M | -0.42 | Fair Value |