Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Serie A
73 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Serie A (Sep 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
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.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Giorgio Scalvini
Atalanta BC • 22 years old
€32.9M
€38.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €38.4M
85.8
Jacobo Ramón
Como 1907 • 21 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €29.1M
78.9
Honest Ahanor
Atalanta BC • 18 years old
€25.9M
€30.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €32.1M
78.0
Tarik Muharemović
US Sassuolo • 23 years old
€21.6M
€25.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €24.3M
77.1
Daniele Ghilardi
Associazione Sportiva Roma • 23 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €17.5M
73.0
Pietro Comuzzo
ACF Fiorentina • 21 years old
€15.6M
€18.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €18.3M
72.4
Oliver Provstgaard
Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. • 23 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.5M
71.5
Tiago Gabriel
US Lecce • 21 years old
€13.0M
€15.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €15.2M
70.1
Alessandro Marcandalli
Genoa CFC • 23 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.6M
69.8
Martin Vitík
Bologna Football Club 1909 • 23 years old
€11.2M
€13.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.6M
68.9
Alessandro Circati
Parma Calcio 1913 • 22 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.2M
67.5
Jan Ziolkowski
Associazione Sportiva Roma • 21 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.2M
67.3
Mariano Troilo
Parma Calcio 1913 • 23 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €9.7M
61.9
Juan Rodríguez
Cagliari Calcio • 21 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €10.1M
61.3
Eivind Helland
Bologna Football Club 1909 • 21 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.1M
58.5
Nicolò Bertola
Udinese Calcio • 23 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €6.8M
57.4
Luca Marianucci
SSC Napoli • 22 years old
€6.1M
€7.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €7.1M
57.1
David Odogu
AC Milan • 20 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
52.3
Branimir Mlacic
Udinese Calcio • 19 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.5M
52.0
Filippo Terracciano
US Cremonese • 23 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
51.8
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Explore Market Size by Position in Serie A
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Serie A Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 22 clubs with €344.5M combined value.
Age Distribution: Serie A Young Centre-Backs
The Serie A CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (56 players, 77% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €285.8M, averaging €5.1M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (17 players)
21-23 Years (56 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 8 Young Centre-Backs (11% of players) control €190.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 4% of the Serie A CB pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: Serie A Young Centre-Backs
Among 22 Serie A clubs, Atalanta BC leads with 5 Young Centre-Backs worth €69.3M (averaging €13.9M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 58% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
Atalanta BC (5 Young Centre-Backs)
Como 1907 (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Associazione Sportiva Roma (2 Young Centre-Backs)
US Sassuolo (4 Young Centre-Backs)
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)
Atalanta BC's Giorgio Scalvini at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 47.50×. That means Giorgio Scalvini is valued 47.50× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Como 1907's Jacobo Ramón, who is 21 years old, with a 37.50× PPVE. Third is Tarik Muharemović of US Sassuolo, who is 23 years old with a 31.25× 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 47.50× means the player is worth 4650% 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 | Giorgio Scalvini Atalanta BC | 22 | 21-23 | €38.0M | €800K | 47.50× |
| #2 | Jacobo Ramón Como 1907 | 21 | 21-23 | €30.0M | €800K | 37.50× |
| #3 | Tarik Muharemović US Sassuolo | 23 | 21-23 | €25.0M | €800K | 31.25× |
| #4 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | U21 | €30.0M | €1.2M | 25.00× |
| #5 | Daniele Ghilardi Associazione Sportiva Roma | 23 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #6 | Pietro Comuzzo ACF Fiorentina | 21 | 21-23 | €18.0M | €800K | 22.50× |
| #7 | Oliver Provstgaard Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. | 23 | 21-23 | €16.0M | €800K | 20.00× |
| #8 | Tiago Gabriel US Lecce | 21 | 21-23 | €15.0M | €800K | 18.75× |
| #9 | Alessandro Marcandalli Genoa CFC | 23 | 21-23 | €14.0M | €800K | 17.50× |
| #10 | Martin Vitík Bologna Football Club 1909 | 23 | 21-23 | €13.0M | €800K | 16.25× |
| #11 | Jan Ziolkowski Associazione Sportiva Roma | 21 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #12 | Alessandro Circati Parma Calcio 1913 | 22 | 21-23 | €12.0M | €800K | 15.00× |
| #13 | Mariano Troilo Parma Calcio 1913 | 23 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €800K | 12.50× |
| #14 | Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | 21 | 21-23 | €10.0M | €800K | 12.50× |
| #15 | Eivind Helland Bologna Football Club 1909 | 21 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €800K | 10.00× |
| #16 | Nicolò Bertola Udinese Calcio | 23 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #17 | Luca Marianucci SSC Napoli | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €800K | 8.75× |
| #18 | Filippo Terracciano US Cremonese | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €800K | 5.63× |
| #19 | Nils Zätterström Genoa CFC | 21 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €800K | 4.38× |
| #20 | Saba Goglichidze Udinese Calcio | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €800K | 4.38× |
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 +52%. That means Honest Ahanor is projected to appreciate 52% as they reach their peak age in 8 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Atalanta BC's Honest Ahanor, who is 18 years old, with a +52% RPP (8 years to peak). Third is Dawid Bembnista of FC Empoli, who is 19 years old with a +48% 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 52% RPP means the player is expected to gain 52% 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 | €5.0M | €10.3M | +52% |
| #2 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | 18 | 8 | €30.0M | €62.0M | +52% |
| #3 | Dawid Bembnista FC Empoli | 19 | 7 | €175K | €336K | +48% |
| #4 | Eman Košpo ACF Fiorentina | 19 | 7 | €1.5M | €2.9M | +48% |
| #5 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | 19 | 7 | €5.0M | €9.6M | +48% |
| #6 | Fellipe Jack Como 1907 | 20 | 6 | €1.8M | €3.2M | +44% |
| #7 | Gabriele Re Cecconi Inter Milan | 20 | 6 | €700K | €1.3M | +44% |
| #8 | Tobias Slotsager Hellas Verona | 20 | 6 | €3.0M | €5.4M | +44% |
| #9 | Relja Obric Atalanta BC | 20 | 6 | €800K | €1.4M | +44% |
| #10 | Andrea Cogoni Cagliari Calcio | 20 | 6 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #11 | Javier Gil Juventus FC | 20 | 6 | €1.0M | €1.8M | +44% |
| #12 | Matteo Duțu AC Milan | 20 | 6 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #13 | Luigi D'Avino SSC Napoli | 20 | 6 | €125K | €223K | +44% |
| #14 | Samuel John Nwachukwu Udinese Calcio | 20 | 6 | €150K | €268K | +44% |
| #15 | David Odogu AC Milan | 20 | 6 | €5.0M | €8.9M | +44% |
| #16 | Lorenzo Tosto FC Empoli | 20 | 6 | €1.2M | €2.1M | +44% |
| #17 | Eddy Kouadio ACF Fiorentina | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #18 | Karlson Nwanege Hellas Verona | 21 | 5 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #19 | Filipe Bordon Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. | 21 | 5 | €800K | €1.3M | +40% |
| #20 | Tiago Gabriel US Lecce | 21 | 5 | €15.0M | €24.9M | +40% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Udinese Calcio's Matteo Palma has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 61.2. That means Matteo Palma has 16% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Inter Milan's Gabriele Re Cecconi with a 40.4 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Dawid Bembnista of FC Empoli with a 40.4 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 61.2 means the upside is 61.2× 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 | Matteo Palma Udinese Calcio | €5.8M | €5.1M-6.5M | +16% | 61.2 |
| #2 | Gabriele Re Cecconi Inter Milan | €772K | €683K-861K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #3 | Dawid Bembnista FC Empoli | €193K | €171K-215K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #4 | Eman Košpo ACF Fiorentina | €1.7M | €1.5M-1.8M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #5 | Tobias Slotsager Hellas Verona | €3.3M | €2.9M-3.7M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #6 | Branimir Mlacic Udinese Calcio | €5.5M | €4.9M-6.1M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #7 | David Odogu AC Milan | €5.5M | €4.9M-6.1M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #8 | Eddy Kouadio ACF Fiorentina | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #9 | Javier Gil Juventus FC | €1.1M | €976K-1.2M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #10 | Luigi D'Avino SSC Napoli | €138K | €122K-154K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #11 | Matteo Duțu AC Milan | €331K | €293K-369K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #12 | Samuel John Nwachukwu Udinese Calcio | €165K | €146K-184K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #13 | Lorenzo Tosto FC Empoli | €1.3M | €1.2M-1.5M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #14 | Fellipe Jack Como 1907 | €2.0M | €1.8M-2.2M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #15 | Relja Obric Atalanta BC | €882K | €781K-983K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #16 | Andrea Cogoni Cagliari Calcio | €441K | €390K-492K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #17 | Honest Ahanor Atalanta BC | €32.1M | €28.4M-35.8M | +7% | 28.7 |
| #18 | Sebastian Otoa Genoa CFC | €2.5M | €2.3M-2.8M | +1% | 7.0 |
| #19 | Mateus Lusuardi Pisa Sporting Club | €304K | €274K-335K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #20 | Christian Biagetti ACF Fiorentina | €152K | €137K-167K | +1% | 7.0 |
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 centre-back position shows strong 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)
Associazione Sportiva Roma's Jan Ziolkowski in the 21-23 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +6.3%. That means Giorgio Scalvini captures 83.0% of total market value while representing only 76.7% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Hellas Verona's Karlson Nwanege with a +6.3% ASC (83.0% value share vs 76.7% player share in 21-23 bracket). Third is Pedro Felipe of Juventus FC with a +6.3% ASC (83.0% value vs 76.7% players in 21-23 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +6.3% ASC means the player captures 6.3% 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 | Jan Ziolkowski Associazione Sportiva Roma | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #2 | Karlson Nwanege Hellas Verona | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #3 | Pedro Felipe Juventus FC | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #4 | Filipe Bordon Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #5 | Tiago Gabriel US Lecce | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #6 | Eivind Helland Bologna Football Club 1909 | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #7 | Mateus Lusuardi Pisa Sporting Club | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #8 | Mariano Troilo Parma Calcio 1913 | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #9 | Matías Pérez US Lecce | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #10 | Nils Zätterström Genoa CFC | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #11 | Juan Rodríguez Cagliari Calcio | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #12 | Giorgio Scalvini Atalanta BC | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #13 | Stefano Piccinini US Sassuolo | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #14 | Alessandro Fontanarosa Inter Milan | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #15 | Matteo Angeli Bologna Football Club 1909 | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #16 | Luigi Palomba Cagliari Calcio | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #17 | Filippo Terracciano US Cremonese | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #18 | Nicolò Bertola Udinese Calcio | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #19 | Oliver Provstgaard Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
| #20 | Christian Biagetti ACF Fiorentina | 21-23 | 83.0% | 76.7% | +6.3% |
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: 1 immediate targets, 16 standard acquisitions, 56 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
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 €700K. 0 undervalued, 8 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tiago Gabriel US Lecce | €15.0M | €800K | -1.50 | Good Value |
Oliver Provstgaard Società Sportiva Lazio S.p.A. | €16.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jacobo Ramón Como 1907 | €30.0M | €800K | -1.00 | Good Value |
Nicolò Bertola Udinese Calcio | €7.0M | €800K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Luca Marianucci SSC Napoli | €7.0M | €800K | -0.75 | Good Value |
Luigi D'Avino SSC Napoli | €125K | €800K | -0.56 | Good Value |
Samuel John Nwachukwu Udinese Calcio | €150K | €800K | -0.54 | Good Value |
Dawid Bembnista FC Empoli | €175K | €800K | -0.52 | Good Value |
Eivind Helland Bologna Football Club 1909 | €8.0M | €800K | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Matteo Duțu AC Milan | €300K | €800K | -0.42 | Fair Value |
Mattia Motolese Bologna Football Club 1909 | €125K | €800K | -0.39 | Fair Value |
Karlson Nwanege Hellas Verona | €150K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Christian Biagetti ACF Fiorentina | €150K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Seb Loeffen US Sassuolo | €150K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Nicolò Calabrese Hellas Verona | €150K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Sheriff Kassama AC Monza | €150K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Tommaso Pittino Genoa CFC | €150K | €800K | -0.36 | Fair Value |
Andrea Cogoni Cagliari Calcio | €400K | €800K | -0.33 | Fair Value |
Luigi Palomba Cagliari Calcio | €200K | €800K | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Dimo Krastev ACF Fiorentina | €200K | €800K | -0.29 | Fair Value |
Market Overview: Serie A Young Centre-Backs 2025-26
Our database tracks 73 Serie A Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season, representing 22 clubs with a combined market value of €344.5M. The average market value for Serie A Young Centre-Backs is €4.7M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Serie A is Giorgio Scalvini, worth €38.0M and playing for Atalanta BC at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs average €28.2M in market value, including Jacobo Ramón and Honest Ahanor.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young centre-back is Honest Ahanor (18 years, Atalanta BC, €30.0M), while the oldest is Tarik Muharemović (23 years, US Sassuolo, €25.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 57 Young Centre-Backs (78%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Serie A market for Young Centre-Backs remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
How We Rank Serie A Young Centre-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young centre-backs, 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 CB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Serie A young centre-backs, 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 Serie A young centre-backs, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Defenders with 2,500+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Defenders peak at 28 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Serie A receives Top 5 European league premium for competitive intensity and quality of opposition.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
CB Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 28 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 29, -10% at 30, steeper from 31 (positioning offsets pace loss)
Optimal Minutes: 2,500 per season (regular starter with rotation management)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 28: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• 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: ±10% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young centre-backs
• 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 Serie A Young Centre-Backs in the 2025-26 season
Who are the most valuable Young Centre-Backs in the Serie A in 2025-26?
The most valuable young centre-back in the Serie A in 2025-26 is Giorgio Scalvini, who is worth €38.0M and plays for Atalanta BC. The second most valuable is Jacobo Ramón (€30.0M, Como 1907), followed by Honest Ahanor (€30.0M, Atalanta BC). Our database tracks 73 Serie A Young Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.
How are Serie A Young Centre-Backs ranked?
Serie A Young Centre-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Centre-Backs. 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 Serie A 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 Centre-Backs peak?
Defenders typically peak at age 28. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 29, -10% at 30, and -25% or more from 31. Research shows defenders balance physical attributes with tactical intelligence, allowing them to maintain high performance through their late 20s. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young centre-back from the Serie A?
Transfer fees for Serie A Young Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young centre-back Giorgio Scalvini (market value: €38.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €30.4M to €53.2M 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 Serie A transactions.
What is the value forecast for Serie A Young Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Serie A Young Centre-Backs based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), 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-defenders have ±10% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the Serie A young centre-back data come from?
Our Serie A young centre-back data is sourced from Football Analytics AI'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 Serie A sources and updated monthly for the 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.