Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Superliga
10 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Superliga (Oct 2026)
10 players tracked across 8 clubs. Updated October 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.
William Clem
FC Copenhagen • 22 years old
€3.0M
€3.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €3.6M
47.6
Kasper Davidsen
Aalborg BK • 21 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.5M
39.4
Mateo Tanlongo
FC Copenhagen • 23 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.9M
37.4
Justin Janssen
FC Nordsjaelland • 20 years old
€1.3M
€1.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €1.7M
32.6
Cristian Mihai
FC Dinamo 1948 • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €811K
25.6
Cătălin Vulturar
FC Rapid 1923 • 22 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
23.9
Luca Mihai
UTA Arad • 23 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
17.4
Malte Heyde
FC Nordsjaelland • 19 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
12.1
Aviel Zargari
FC Hermannstadt • 23 years old
€173K
€200K
+15.6%
8.8
Luca Banu
FCV Farul Constanta • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
4.3
William Clem
FC Copenhagen · 22 years old
47.6
ASI
Current Value
€3.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€3.1M - €4.0M
Kasper Davidsen
Aalborg BK · 21 years old
39.4
ASI
Current Value
€2.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€2.2M - €2.9M
Mateo Tanlongo
FC Copenhagen · 23 years old
37.4
ASI
Current Value
€2.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.7M - €2.2M
Justin Janssen
FC Nordsjaelland · 20 years old
32.6
ASI
Current Value
€1.5M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€1.4M - €1.9M
Cristian Mihai
FC Dinamo 1948 · 22 years old
25.6
ASI
Current Value
€800K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€706K - €917K
Cătălin Vulturar
FC Rapid 1923 · 22 years old
23.9
ASI
Current Value
€700K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Luca Mihai
UTA Arad · 23 years old
17.4
ASI
Current Value
€400K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Malte Heyde
FC Nordsjaelland · 19 years old
12.1
ASI
Current Value
€300K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Aviel Zargari
FC Hermannstadt · 23 years old
8.8
ASI
Current Value
€200K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Luca Banu
FCV Farul Constanta · 21 years old
4.3
ASI
Current Value
€150K
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Market Overview: Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 10 Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders as of October 2026, representing 8 clubs with a combined market value of €12.1M. The average market value for Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders is €1.2M, with the average age at 22 years old.
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Superliga is William Clem, worth €3.5M and playing for FC Copenhagen at 22 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders average €2.1M in market value, including Kasper Davidsen and Mateo Tanlongo.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder is Malte Heyde (19 years, FC Nordsjaelland, €300K), while the oldest is Mateo Tanlongo (23 years, FC Copenhagen, €2.0M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 27.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 7 Young Defensive Midfielders (70%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The Superliga market for Young Defensive Midfielders remains actively developing with emerging talent as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in Superliga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 8 clubs with €12.1M combined value.
Age Distribution: Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders
The Superliga CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (8 players, 80% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €10.3M, averaging €1.3M per player.
Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (8 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 1 Young Defensive Midfielders (10% of players) control €3.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Superliga CDM pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders
Among 8 Superliga clubs, FC Copenhagen leads with 2 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €5.5M (averaging €2.8M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.
FC Copenhagen (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
Aalborg BK (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Nordsjaelland (2 Young Defensive Midfielders)
FC Dinamo 1948 (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)
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 Copenhagen's William Clem at 22 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 4.38×. That means William Clem is valued 4.38× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Aalborg BK's Kasper Davidsen, who is 21 years old, with a 3.13× PPVE. Third is Mateo Tanlongo of FC Copenhagen, who is 23 years old with a 2.50× 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 4.38× means the player is worth 338% 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 | William Clem FC Copenhagen | 22 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €800K | 4.38x |
| #2 | Kasper Davidsen Aalborg BK | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €800K | 3.13x |
| #3 | Mateo Tanlongo FC Copenhagen | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €800K | 2.50x |
| #4 | Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | U21 | €1.5M | €1.5M | 1.00x |
| #5 | Cristian Mihai FC Dinamo 1948 | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €800K | 1.00x |
| #6 | Cătălin Vulturar FC Rapid 1923 | 22 | 21-23 | €700K | €800K | 0.87x |
| #7 | Luca Mihai UTA Arad | 23 | 21-23 | €400K | €800K | 0.50x |
| #8 | Aviel Zargari FC Hermannstadt | 23 | 21-23 | €200K | €800K | 0.25x |
| #9 | Malte Heyde FC Nordsjaelland | 19 | U21 | €300K | €1.5M | 0.20x |
| #10 | Luca Banu FCV Farul Constanta | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €800K | 0.19x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders.
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
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Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
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Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
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Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
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How We Rank Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young defensive midfielders, 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 CDM
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Superliga young defensive midfielders, 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 defensive midfielders, capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. 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.
CDM Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
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 27: +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: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for young defensive midfielders
• 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 Defensive Midfielders, updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the Superliga right now?
The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Superliga today is William Clem, who is worth €3.5M and plays for FC Copenhagen. The second most valuable is Kasper Davidsen (€2.5M, Aalborg BK), followed by Mateo Tanlongo (€2.0M, FC Copenhagen). Our database tracks 10 Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?
Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Defensive Midfielders. 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 Defensive Midfielders peak?
Midfielders typically peak at age 27. In our valuation model, value then falls in widening steps rather than at a flat annual rate: around -5% at 28, -10% at 29, -15% at 30, and steeper thereafter. Central midfielders require a blend of physicality, technical skill, and tactical awareness. The optimal playing time for peak performance is around 2,400-2,500 minutes per season.
How much does it cost to sign a top young defensive midfielder from the Superliga?
Transfer fees for Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young defensive midfielder William Clem (market value: €3.5M), estimated transfer fees would range from €2.8M to €4.9M 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 Defensive Midfielders?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders 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-midfielders have ±12-15% 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 defensive midfielder data come from?
Our Superliga young defensive midfielder 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 (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.