Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Scottish Premiership
221 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Scottish Premiership (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders 2026-27
Our database tracked 220 Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2026-27 season, representing 188 clubs with a combined market value of €924.9M. The average market value for Scottish Premiership Young Defensive Midfielders was €4.2M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Scottish Premiership was Aleksandar Pavlovic, worth €65.0M and played for Bayern Munich at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders averaged €49.4M in market value, including Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder was Jorthy Mokio (18 years, Ajax Amsterdam, €8.0M), while the oldest was Ardon Jashari (23 years, AC Milan, €32.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 220 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 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.
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 188 clubs with €924.9M 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 (180 players, 82% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €814.1M, averaging €4.5M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (40 players)
21-23 Years (180 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 22 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €521.5M
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 188 Scottish Premiership clubs, Brighton & Hove Albion leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €82.0M (averaging €41.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 6% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
Brighton & Hove Albion (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Bayern Munich (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Crystal Palace (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Chelsea FC (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Aleksandar Pavlovic
Bayern Munich • 22 years old
€56.2M
€65.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €74.6M
92.8
Carlos Baleba
Brighton & Hove Albion • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
91.6
Adam Wharton
Crystal Palace • 22 years old
€51.9M
€60.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €68.8M
91.6
Ardon Jashari
AC Milan • 23 years old
€27.7M
€32.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €35.3M
84.0
Roméo Lavia
Chelsea FC • 22 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €33.1M
79.4
Arthur Vermeeren
Olympique Marseille • 21 years old
€24.2M
€28.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
77.9
Máximo Perrone
Como 1907 • 23 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €26.5M
77.3
Marc Casadó
FC Barcelona • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
77.0
Lesley Ugochukwu
Burnley FC • 22 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €27.6M
76.9
Jack Hinshelwood
Brighton & Hove Albion • 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
Tyler Morton
Olympique Lyon • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €19.1M
73.1
Soungoutou Magassa
West Ham United • 22 years old
€14.7M
€17.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.7M
72.0
Aleksandar Stanković
Club Brugge KV • 20 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.9M
69.3
Lamare Bogarde
Aston Villa • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.6
Shea Charles
Southampton FC • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.2M
67.3
Ngal'ayel Mukau
LOSC Lille • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.8M
67.2
Marc Bernal
FC Barcelona • 19 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.3M
60.6
Aljoscha Kemlein
1.FC Union Berlin • 21 years old
€7.8M
€9.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.3M
59.9
Reda Belahyane
SS Lazio • 22 years old
€7.4M
€8.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.4M
59.6
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)
Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 43.33×. That means Aleksandar Pavlovic is valued 43.33× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who is 22 years old, with a 40.00× PPVE. Third is Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion, who is 22 years old with a 40.00× 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 43.33× means the player is worth 4233% 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 | Aleksandar Pavlovic Bayern Munich | 22 | 21-23 | €65.0M | €1.5M | 43.33× |
| #2 | Adam Wharton Crystal Palace | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.5M | 40.00× |
| #3 | Carlos Baleba Brighton & Hove Albion | 22 | 21-23 | €60.0M | €1.5M | 40.00× |
| #4 | Ardon Jashari AC Milan | 23 | 21-23 | €32.0M | €1.5M | 21.33× |
| #5 | Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | 22 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €1.5M | 20.00× |
| #6 | Arthur Vermeeren Olympique Marseille | 21 | 21-23 | €28.0M | €1.5M | 18.67× |
| #7 | Marc Casadó FC Barcelona | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #8 | Máximo Perrone Como 1907 | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #9 | Lesley Ugochukwu Burnley FC | 22 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €1.5M | 16.67× |
| #10 | Aleksandar Stanković Club Brugge KV | 20 | U21 | €15.0M | €1.0M | 15.00× |
| #11 | Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | 21 | 21-23 | €22.0M | €1.5M | 14.67× |
| #12 | Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | 21 | 21-23 | €20.0M | €1.5M | 13.33× |
| #13 | Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €1.5M | 12.00× |
| #14 | Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | 22 | 21-23 | €17.0M | €1.5M | 11.33× |
| #15 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | U21 | €10.0M | €1.0M | 10.00× |
| #16 | Ngal'ayel Mukau LOSC Lille | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #17 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00× |
| #18 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00× |
| #19 | Lamare Bogarde Aston Villa | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
| #20 | Shea Charles Southampton FC | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €1.5M | 8.00× |
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)
Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio at 18 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +48%. That means Jorthy Mokio is projected to appreciate 48% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida, 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 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #2 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | 18 | 8 | €450K | €865K | +48% |
| #3 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | 18 | 8 | €8.0M | €15.4M | +48% |
| #4 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €850K | €1.5M | +44% |
| #5 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #6 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | 19 | 7 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #7 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #8 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | 19 | 7 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #9 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | 19 | 7 | €10.0M | €17.9M | +44% |
| #10 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | 19 | 7 | €600K | €1.1M | +44% |
| #11 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | 19 | 7 | €2.0M | €3.6M | +44% |
| #12 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | 19 | 7 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #13 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #14 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | 19 | 7 | €500K | €894K | +44% |
| #15 | Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys | 20 | 6 | €1.7M | €2.8M | +40% |
| #16 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | 20 | 6 | €500K | €831K | +40% |
| #17 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | 20 | 6 | €2.0M | €3.3M | +40% |
| #18 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
| #19 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | 20 | 6 | €7.0M | €11.6M | +40% |
| #20 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.7M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
San Antonio Bulo Bulo's Kevin Merida has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 79.0. That means Kevin Merida has 28% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Ajax Amsterdam's Jorthy Mokio with a 79.0 RAU (28% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Zé Lucas of Sport Club do Recife 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 | Kevin Merida San Antonio Bulo Bulo | €576K | €496K-655K | +28% | 79.0 |
| #2 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #3 | Zé Lucas Sport Club do Recife | €10.2M | €8.8M-11.6M | +28% | 79.0 |
| #4 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | €12.3M | €10.6M-14.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #5 | Luis Otávio Orlando City SC | €3.1M | €2.7M-3.5M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #6 | Agustín Medina CA Lanús | €5.6M | €4.8M-6.3M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #7 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | €2.5M | €2.1M-2.8M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #8 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | €1.2M | €1.1M-1.4M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #9 | Luca Regiardo CA Newell's Old Boys | €617K | €532K-703K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #10 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | €741K | €639K-843K | +23% | 68.9 |
| #11 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #12 | Bailey Rice Rangers FC | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #13 | Leonardo Mendicino AC Reggiana 1919 | €988K | €852K-1.1M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #14 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | €1.0M | €905K-1.2M | +23% | 68.9 |
| #15 | Samuele Di Benedetto VfB Stuttgart II | €714K | €616K-813K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #16 | Henrique Arreiol Legia Warszawa | €833K | €718K-949K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #17 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | €595K | €513K-678K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #18 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | €2.4M | €2.1M-2.7M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #19 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | €1.2M | €1.0M-1.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #20 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | €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)
CD Real Tomayapo's Santiago Cuiza in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-6.2%. That means Aleksandar Stanković captures 12.0% of total market value while representing only 18.2% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Andorra's Efe Akman with a +-6.2% ASC (12.0% value share vs 18.2% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona with a +-6.2% ASC (12.0% value vs 18.2% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-6.2% ASC means the player captures -6.2% 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 | Santiago Cuiza CD Real Tomayapo | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #2 | Efe Akman FC Andorra | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #3 | Marc Bernal FC Barcelona | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #4 | Rabby Nzingoula 1.FC Nuremberg | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #5 | Jakub Adkonis Pogon Grodzisk Mazowiecki | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #6 | Juanse Rodríguez CD Tondela | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #7 | Valentino Acuña CA Newell's Old Boys | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #8 | Eduardo Felicíssimo Sporting CP B | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #9 | Kaick FC Dallas | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #10 | Gabriel Moscardo SC Braga | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #11 | Jorthy Mokio Ajax Amsterdam | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #12 | Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #13 | Jacob Bartlett Sporting Kansas City | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #14 | Yunus Konak Oxford United | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #15 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #16 | Tomás Pérez FC Porto B | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #17 | Ivan Katic NK Lokomotiva Zagreb | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #18 | Pape Diong USL Dunkerque | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #19 | Hamidou Makalou Stade Brestois 29 | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
| #20 | Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | U21 | 12.0% | 18.2% | -6.2% |
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: 40 immediate targets, 180 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. 1 undervalued, 30 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Soungoutou Magassa West Ham United | €17.0M | €1.5M | -1.60 | Undervalued |
Tyler Morton Olympique Lyon | €18.0M | €1.5M | -1.40 | Good Value |
Anthony Dennis Göztepe | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Elías Montiel CF Pachuca | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Roméo Lavia Chelsea FC | €30.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Toby Collyer Hull City | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Dário Essugo Chelsea FC | €20.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Lorenzo Amatucci UD Las Palmas | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Evertton Araújo CR Flamengo | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Mario Martín Getafe CF | €5.0M | €1.5M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jack Hinshelwood Brighton & Hove Albion | €22.0M | €1.5M | -0.60 | Good Value |
Amadou Koné NEOM SC | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Milton Delgado CA Boca Juniors | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Artem Karpukas Lokomotiv Moscow | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Leonel Pérez CA Huracán | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Demir Ege Tıknaz SC Braga | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Matteo Prati Torino FC | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Facundo Bernal Fluminense Football Club | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Noel Aseko Hannover 96 | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Ibrahim Sulemana Cagliari Calcio | €6.0M | €1.5M | -0.50 | Fair Value |