Under 23 · Superliga · 2025-26

Best U23 Young Defensive Midfielders in the Superliga

4 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Best Young Defensive Midfielders in the Superliga (Apr 2026)

Ranked by Analytical Strength Score

Market Overview: Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders 2025-26

Our database tracks 4 Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders in the 2025-26 season, representing 4 clubs with a combined market value of €6.5M. The average market value for Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders is €1.6M, with the average age at 20.5 years old.

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Superliga is William Clem, worth €3.0M and playing for FC Copenhagen at 21 years old. The top 5 Young Defensive Midfielders average €1.6M in market value, including Mads Enggård and Justin Janssen.

Age distribution shows the youngest tracked young defensive midfielder is Justin Janssen (19 years, FC Nordsjaelland, €400K), while the oldest is Mads Enggård (22 years, Vejle Boldklub, €2.8M). Research shows Young Defensive Midfielders typically peak at age 26-27.

Our 1-year forecast model projects 4 Young Defensive Midfielders (100%) 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 in the 2025-26 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.

Market Intelligence

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 4 clubs with €6.5M combined value.

Players Tracked

By League

Premier League La Liga Bundesliga Serie A Ligue 1

By Position

GK CB LB RB CDM

More Positions

CM CAM LW RW ST

By Season

2025-26 2024-25 2023-24 2022-23

Age Distribution: Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders

The Superliga CDM market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the U21 bracket (2 players, 50% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €5.8M, averaging €2.9M per player.

U21 years2 players (50%)

€650KAvg: €325K

Top player: Justin Janssen (€400K)

21-23 years2 players (50%)

€5.8MAvg: €2.9M

Top player: William Clem (€3.0M)

Top Young Defensive Midfielders by Age Bracket

U21 Years (2 players)

1. Justin Janssen(19yo)

€400K

2. Mohamed Cherif Haidara(20yo)

€250K

21-23 Years (2 players)

1. William Clem(21yo)

€3.0M

2. Mads Enggård(22yo)

€2.8M

Market Value Distribution

Elite Tier Concentration

47%of market value

The top 1 Young Defensive Midfielders (25% of players) control €3.0M

1. William Clem€3.0M

Market Tiers

Emerging (<€5M)4 players (100%)

€6.5M

Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Superliga CDM pool.

Emerging (<€5M)

1. William Clem

FC Copenhagen€3.0M

2. Mads Enggård

Vejle Boldklub€2.8M

3. Justin Janssen

FC Nordsjaelland€400K

4. Mohamed Cherif Haidara

Sönderjyske Fodbold€250K

Club Distribution: Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders

Among 4 Superliga clubs, FC Copenhagen leads with 1 Young Defensive Midfielders worth €3.0M (averaging €3.0M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 100% of tracked Young Defensive Midfielders.

FC Copenhagen

1 players • €3.0M

Vejle Boldklub

1 players • €2.8M

FC Nordsjaelland

1 players • €400K

Sönderjyske Fodbold

1 players • €250K

FC Copenhagen (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

William Clem(21yo)

€3.0M

Vejle Boldklub (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Mads Enggård(22yo)

€2.8M

FC Nordsjaelland (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Justin Janssen(19yo)

€400K

Sönderjyske Fodbold (1 Young Defensive Midfielders)

Mohamed Cherif Haidara(20yo)

€250K

Player Rankings

Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.

William Clem

FC Copenhagen • 21 years old

€2.6M

€3.0M

+15.6%

€3.0M€3.9M

Expected: €3.4M

42.1

Mads Enggård

Vejle Boldklub • 22 years old

€2.4M

€2.8M

+15.6%

€2.7M€3.5M

Expected: €3.1M

41.6

Justin Janssen

FC Nordsjaelland • 19 years old

€346K

€400K

+15.6%

€426K€562K

Expected: €494K

15.7

Mohamed Cherif Haidara

Sönderjyske Fodbold • 20 years old

€216K

€250K

+15.6%

€257K€339K

Expected: €298K

10.2

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 Nordsjaelland's Justin Janssen at 19 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 1.00×. That means William Clem is valued 1.00× higher than the median player in the 21-23 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.

In second is FC Copenhagen's William Clem, who is 21 years old, with a 1.00× PPVE. Third is Mads Enggård of Vejle Boldklub, who is 22 years old with a 0.93× 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 1.00× means the player is worth 0% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.

PPVE by Age Bracket

Justin JanssenFC Nordsjaelland

U21 • 19yo1.00×

€400K • 0% above median

William ClemFC Copenhagen

21-23 • 21yo1.00×

€3.0M • 0% above median

Mads EnggårdVejle Boldklub

21-23 • 22yo0.93×

€2.8M • -7% above median

Mohamed Cherif HaidaraSönderjyske Fodbold

U21 • 20yo0.63×

€250K • -38% above median

Rank	Player	Age	Bracket	Current Value	Bracket Median	PPVE
#1	Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland	19	U21	€400K	€400K	1.00×
#2	William Clem FC Copenhagen	21	21-23	€3.0M	€3.0M	1.00×
#3	Mads Enggård Vejle Boldklub	22	21-23	€2.8M	€3.0M	0.93×
#4	Mohamed Cherif Haidara Sönderjyske Fodbold	20	U21	€250K	€400K	0.63×

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 Justin Janssen at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Justin Janssen is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 7 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.

In second is Sönderjyske Fodbold's Mohamed Cherif Haidara, who is 20 years old, with a +40% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is William Clem of FC Copenhagen, who is 21 years old with a +35% RPP (5 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 44% RPP means the player is expected to gain 44% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.

Recovery Potential by Player

Justin JanssenFC Nordsjaelland

7yr to peak+44%

€400K → €715K

Mohamed Cherif HaidaraSönderjyske Fodbold

6yr to peak+40%

€250K → €415K

William ClemFC Copenhagen

5yr to peak+35%

€3.0M → €4.6M

Mads EnggårdVejle Boldklub

4yr to peak+30%

€2.8M → €4.0M

Rank	Player	Age	Years to Peak	Current	Peak Forecast	RPP %
#1	Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland	19	7	€400K	€715K	+44%
#2	Mohamed Cherif Haidara Sönderjyske Fodbold	20	6	€250K	€415K	+40%
#3	William Clem FC Copenhagen	21	5	€3.0M	€4.6M	+35%
#4	Mads Enggård Vejle Boldklub	22	4	€2.8M	€4.0M	+30%

Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.

Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)

FC Nordsjaelland's Justin Janssen has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 68.9. That means Justin Janssen has 23% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.

In second is Sönderjyske Fodbold's Mohamed Cherif Haidara with a 58.0 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is William Clem of FC Copenhagen 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 68.9 means the upside is 68.9× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.

Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player

Justin JanssenFC Nordsjaelland

↑23% / ±0%68.9

Range: €426K - €562K

Mohamed Cherif HaidaraSönderjyske Fodbold

↑19% / ±0%58.0

Range: €257K - €339K

William ClemFC Copenhagen

↑15% / ±0%46.3

Range: €3.0M - €3.9M

Mads EnggårdVejle Boldklub

↑10% / ±0%38.7

Range: €2.7M - €3.5M

Rank	Player	Expected	Range	Upside %	RAU
#1	Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland	€494K	€426K-562K	+23%	68.9
#2	Mohamed Cherif Haidara Sönderjyske Fodbold	€298K	€257K-339K	+19%	58.0
#3	William Clem FC Copenhagen	€3.4M	€3.0M-3.9M	+15%	46.3
#4	Mads Enggård Vejle Boldklub	€3.1M	€2.7M-3.5M	+10%	38.7

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

Total Players

-0.00

Avg Z-Score

-0.00

RPI Score

Weak DepthStrong Depth

-3.00+3.0

Highest Z-Scores

William Clem+1.08

Mads Enggård+0.92

Justin Janssen+-0.94

Mohamed Cherif Haidara+-1.06

Lowest Z-Scores

Mohamed Cherif Haidara-1.06

Justin Janssen-0.94

Mads Enggård0.92

William Clem1.08

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 Justin Janssen in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-39.9%. That means Justin Janssen captures 10.1% of total market value while representing only 50.0% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.

In second is Sönderjyske Fodbold's Mohamed Cherif Haidara with a +-39.9% ASC (10.1% value share vs 50.0% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Mads Enggård of Vejle Boldklub with a +39.9% ASC (89.9% value vs 50.0% players in 21-23 bracket).

How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-39.9% ASC means the player captures -39.9% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.

Value Concentration by Player

Justin JanssenFC Nordsjaelland

U21-39.9%

10.1% value share / 50.0% player share

Mohamed Cherif HaidaraSönderjyske Fodbold

U21-39.9%

10.1% value share / 50.0% player share

Mads EnggårdVejle Boldklub

21-23+39.9%

89.9% value share / 50.0% player share

William ClemFC Copenhagen

21-23+39.9%

89.9% value share / 50.0% player share

Rank	Player	Age Bracket	Value Share	Player Share	ASC
#1	Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland	U21	10.1%	50.0%	-39.9%
#2	Mohamed Cherif Haidara Sönderjyske Fodbold	U21	10.1%	50.0%	-39.9%
#3	Mads Enggård Vejle Boldklub	21-23	89.9%	50.0%	+39.9%
#4	William Clem FC Copenhagen	21-23	89.9%	50.0%	+39.9%

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: 2 immediate targets, 2 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.

BUY NOW - High Upside

Justin Janssen

19yo • FC Nordsjaelland

€400K

Mohamed Cherif Haidara

20yo • Sönderjyske Fodbold

€250K

WATCH LIST - High Upside

No players in this category

BUY NOW - Medium Upside

William Clem

21yo • FC Copenhagen

€3.0M

Mads Enggård

22yo • Vejle Boldklub

€2.8M

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 €3.0M. 0 undervalued, 0 premium.

Value Positioning vs Peers

Mohamed Cherif HaidaraSönderjyske Fodbold

€250K-1.00

Fair value

Mads EnggårdVejle Boldklub

€2.8M-1.00

Fair value

Justin JanssenFC Nordsjaelland

€400K0.00

Fair value

William ClemFC Copenhagen

€3.0M0.00

Fair value

Player	Market Value	Position Median	Z-Score	Assessment
Mohamed Cherif Haidara Sönderjyske Fodbold	€250K	€2.8M	-1.00	Good Value
Mads Enggård Vejle Boldklub	€2.8M	€2.8M	-1.00	Good Value
Justin Janssen FC Nordsjaelland	€400K	€2.8M	0.00	Fair Value
William Clem FC Copenhagen	€3.0M	€2.8M	0.00	Fair Value

How We Rank Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders

Our Analytical Strength Score 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 26-27 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: 26-27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)

Decline Rate: 6.0% per year (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: Midfielder -6.0%/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: ±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 in the 2025-26 season

Who are the most valuable Young Defensive Midfielders in the Superliga in 2025-26?

The most valuable young defensive midfielder in the Superliga in 2025-26 is William Clem, who is worth €3.0M and plays for FC Copenhagen. The second most valuable is Mads Enggård (€2.8M, Vejle Boldklub), followed by Justin Janssen (€400K, FC Nordsjaelland). Our database tracks 4 Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2025-26 season.

How are Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders ranked?

Superliga Young Defensive Midfielders are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Score, 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 26-27, with a decline rate of 6.0% per year after peak. 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: €3.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €2.4M to €4.2M 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 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 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—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 APE Global Capital'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 2025-26 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.