Best U23 Young Centre-Backs in the Superliga
10 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Centre-Backs in the Superliga (Jun 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: Superliga Young Centre-Backs 2022-23
Our database tracked 10 Superliga Young Centre-Backs in the 2022-23 season, representing 7 clubs with a combined market value of €18.4M. The average market value for Superliga Young Centre-Backs was €1.8M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young centre-back in the Superliga was Ousmane Diao, worth €8.0M and played for FC Midtjylland at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Centre-Backs averaged €3.1M in market value, including Noah Markmann and Robin Østrøm.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young centre-back was Noah Markmann (19 years, FC Nordsjaelland, €2.5M), while the oldest was Robin Østrøm (23 years, Silkeborg IF, €2.0M). Research shows Young Centre-Backs typically peak at age 27.
Historical analysis showed 10 Young Centre-Backs (100%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Superliga market for Young Centre-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 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 Superliga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Superliga Young Centre-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 7 clubs with €18.4M combined value.
Age Distribution: Superliga Young Centre-Backs
The Superliga CB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (7 players, 70% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €15.1M, averaging €2.2M per player.
Top Young Centre-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (3 players)
21-23 Years (7 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Young Centre-Backs (10% of players) control €8.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with mid (€5-15m) tier representing 10% of the Superliga CB pool.
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Superliga Young Centre-Backs
Among 7 Superliga clubs, FC Midtjylland leads with 2 Young Centre-Backs worth €9.8M (averaging €4.9M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Centre-Backs.
FC Midtjylland (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Silkeborg IF (2 Young Centre-Backs)
FC Nordsjaelland (2 Young Centre-Backs)
Vejle Boldklub (1 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.
Ousmane Diao
FC Midtjylland • 22 years old
€6.9M
€8.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €8.5M
58.1
Noah Markmann
FC Nordsjaelland • 19 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.0M
38.2
Robin Østrøm
Silkeborg IF • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.1M
37.9
Han-beom Lee
FC Midtjylland • 23 years old
€1.6M
€1.8M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
36.6
Alexander Busch
Silkeborg IF • 22 years old
€1.0M
€1.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.3M
30.9
Valdemar Lund
Vejle Boldklub • 23 years old
€865K
€1.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.1M
29.2
Yaya Bojang
Odense Boldklub • 21 years old
€735K
€850K
+15.6%
Expected: €937K
26.0
Stephen Acquah
FC Nordsjaelland • 20 years old
€432K
€500K
+15.6%
Expected: €573K
18.8
Adam Nygaard
FC Fredericia • 20 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €344K
12.4
Oliver Jones
Randers FC • 23 years old
€216K
€250K
+15.6%
Expected: €268K
12.0
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)
FC Midtjylland's Ousmane Diao at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 6.67×. That means Ousmane Diao is valued 6.67× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Nordsjaelland's Noah Markmann, who is 19 years old, with a 5.00× PPVE. Third is Robin Østrøm of Silkeborg IF, who is 23 years old with a 1.67× 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 6.67× means the player is worth 567% 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 | Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | 22 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.2M | 6.67× |
| #2 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | U21 | €2.5M | €500K | 5.00× |
| #3 | Robin Østrøm Silkeborg IF | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.2M | 1.67× |
| #4 | Han-beom Lee FC Midtjylland | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.2M | 1.50× |
| #5 | Stephen Acquah FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | U21 | €500K | €500K | 1.00× |
| #6 | Alexander Busch Silkeborg IF | 22 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.2M | 1.00× |
| #7 | Valdemar Lund Vejle Boldklub | 23 | 21-23 | €1.0M | €1.2M | 0.83× |
| #8 | Yaya Bojang Odense Boldklub | 21 | 21-23 | €850K | €1.2M | 0.71× |
| #9 | Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | 20 | U21 | €300K | €500K | 0.60× |
| #10 | Oliver Jones Randers FC | 23 | 21-23 | €250K | €1.2M | 0.21× |
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 Nordsjaelland's Noah Markmann at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +40%. That means Noah Markmann is projected to appreciate 40% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is FC Nordsjaelland's Stephen Acquah, who is 20 years old, with a +35% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Adam Nygaard of FC Fredericia, who is 20 years old with a +35% RPP (6 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 40% RPP means the player is expected to gain 40% 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 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | 7 | €2.5M | €4.2M | +40% |
| #2 | Stephen Acquah FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | 6 | €500K | €773K | +35% |
| #3 | Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | 20 | 6 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #4 | Yaya Bojang Odense Boldklub | 21 | 5 | €850K | €1.2M | +30% |
| #5 | Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | 22 | 4 | €8.0M | €10.7M | +25% |
| #6 | Alexander Busch Silkeborg IF | 22 | 4 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #7 | Robin Østrøm Silkeborg IF | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
| #8 | Valdemar Lund Vejle Boldklub | 23 | 3 | €1.0M | €1.2M | +20% |
| #9 | Han-beom Lee FC Midtjylland | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.2M | +20% |
| #10 | Oliver Jones Randers FC | 23 | 3 | €250K | €311K | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Nordsjaelland's Noah Markmann has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 58.0. That means Noah Markmann has 19% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is FC Nordsjaelland's Stephen Acquah with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Adam Nygaard of FC Fredericia with a 46.3 RAU (15% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 58.0 means the upside is 58.0× 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 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | €3.0M | €2.6M-3.4M | +19% | 58.0 |
| #2 | Stephen Acquah FC Nordsjaelland | €573K | €494K-652K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #3 | Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | €344K | €297K-391K | +15% | 46.3 |
| #4 | Yaya Bojang Odense Boldklub | €937K | €808K-1.1M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #5 | Robin Østrøm Silkeborg IF | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #6 | Valdemar Lund Vejle Boldklub | €1.1M | €942K-1.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #7 | Oliver Jones Randers FC | €268K | €236K-300K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #8 | Han-beom Lee FC Midtjylland | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.2M | +7% | 27.5 |
| #9 | Alexander Busch Silkeborg IF | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 23.0 |
| #10 | Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | €8.5M | €7.5M-9.5M | +6% | 23.0 |
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 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 Nordsjaelland's Noah Markmann in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-12.1%. That means Noah Markmann captures 17.9% of total market value while representing only 30.0% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Nordsjaelland's Stephen Acquah with a +-12.1% ASC (17.9% value share vs 30.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Adam Nygaard of FC Fredericia with a +-12.1% ASC (17.9% value vs 30.0% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-12.1% ASC means the player captures -12.1% 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 | Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | U21 | 17.9% | 30.0% | -12.1% |
| #2 | Stephen Acquah FC Nordsjaelland | U21 | 17.9% | 30.0% | -12.1% |
| #3 | Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | U21 | 17.9% | 30.0% | -12.1% |
| #4 | Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
| #5 | Yaya Bojang Odense Boldklub | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
| #6 | Robin Østrøm Silkeborg IF | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
| #7 | Valdemar Lund Vejle Boldklub | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
| #8 | Han-beom Lee FC Midtjylland | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
| #9 | Alexander Busch Silkeborg IF | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
| #10 | Oliver Jones Randers FC | 21-23 | 82.1% | 70.0% | +12.1% |
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, 9 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 €300K. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oliver Jones Randers FC | €250K | €1.2M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Yaya Bojang Odense Boldklub | €850K | €1.2M | -0.37 | Fair Value |
Valdemar Lund Vejle Boldklub | €1.0M | €1.2M | -0.21 | Fair Value |
Adam Nygaard FC Fredericia | €300K | €1.2M | -0.09 | Fair Value |
Ousmane Diao FC Midtjylland | €8.0M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Stephen Acquah FC Nordsjaelland | €500K | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Alexander Busch Silkeborg IF | €1.2M | €1.2M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Han-beom Lee FC Midtjylland | €1.8M | €1.2M | +0.63 | Above Market |
Robin Østrøm Silkeborg IF | €2.0M | €1.2M | +0.84 | Above Market |
Noah Markmann FC Nordsjaelland | €2.5M | €1.2M | +0.91 | Above Market |
How We Rank Superliga 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 Superliga 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 Superliga 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 27 with 5.0%/year decline rate. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
Superliga competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
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: 27 years (balance of physicality and tactical intelligence)
Decline Rate: 5.0% per year (moderate decline as 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: Defender -5.0%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak
• 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 Superliga Young Centre-Backs in the 2022-23 season
Who are the most valuable Young Centre-Backs in the Superliga in 2022-23?
The most valuable young centre-back in the Superliga in 2022-23 is Ousmane Diao, who is worth €8.0M and plays for FC Midtjylland. The second most valuable is Noah Markmann (€2.5M, FC Nordsjaelland), followed by Robin Østrøm (€2.0M, Silkeborg IF). Our database tracks 10 Superliga Young Centre-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2022-23 season.
How are Superliga Young Centre-Backs ranked?
Superliga 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 Superliga 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 27, with a decline rate of 5.0% per year after peak. 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 Superliga?
Transfer fees for Superliga Young Centre-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young centre-back Ousmane Diao (market value: €8.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €6.4M to €11.2M 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 Superliga transactions.
What is the value forecast for Superliga Young Centre-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Superliga 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 gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), 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 Superliga young centre-back data come from?
Our Superliga 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 Superliga sources and updated monthly for the 2022-23 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.