Best U23 Young Left-Backs in the Superliga
15 players aged 23 or under · ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Best Young Left-Backs in the Superliga (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.
Juho Lähteenmäki
FC Nordsjaelland • 20 years old
€3.9M
€4.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.0M
50.6
Victor Bak
FC Midtjylland • 22 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
49.7
Andrei Borza
FC Rapid 1923 • 20 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.8M
39.6
Runar Norheim
FC Nordsjaelland • 21 years old
€1.9M
€2.2M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.2M
38.3
Srdjan Kuzmic
Viborg FF • 22 years old
€1.7M
€2.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.0M
37.3
Jakob Jessen
FC Fredericia • 22 years old
€692K
€800K
+15.6%
Expected: €811K
25.7
Marcus McCoy
Odense Boldklub • 21 years old
€605K
€700K
+15.6%
Expected: €710K
23.7
Daníel Freyr Kristjánsson
FC Fredericia • 21 years old
€562K
€650K
+15.6%
Expected: €659K
22.8
Kevin Ciubotaru
FC Hermannstadt • 22 years old
€519K
€600K
+15.6%
Expected: €609K
22.1
Răzvan Creț
FC Botosani • 20 years old
€389K
€450K
+15.6%
Expected: €496K
17.8
Giorgi Tabatadze
Vejle Boldklub • 20 years old
€346K
€400K
+15.6%
Expected: €441K
16.3
William Kaastrup
Randers FC • 22 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €304K
13.3
Robert Sălceanu
Petrolul Ploiesti • 22 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €304K
13.3
Lukas Larsen
Bröndby IF • 20 years old
€259K
€300K
+15.6%
Expected: €331K
12.7
Robert Bădescu
FC Metaloglobus Bucharest • 21 years old
€130K
€150K
+15.6%
Expected: €152K
4.2
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Explore Market Size by Position in Superliga
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all Superliga Young Left-Backs. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 13 clubs with €19.8M combined value.
Age Distribution: Superliga Young Left-Backs
The Superliga LB market shows 2 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 21-23 bracket (10 players, 67% of market). The 21-23 age group holds the most value at €11.7M, averaging €1.2M per player.
Top Young Left-Backs by Age Bracket
U21 Years (5 players)
21-23 Years (10 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 2 Young Left-Backs (13% of players) control €8.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows concentrated value with emerging (<€5m) tier representing 100% of the Superliga LB pool.
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: Superliga Young Left-Backs
Among 13 Superliga clubs, FC Nordsjaelland leads with 2 Young Left-Backs worth €6.7M (averaging €3.4M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 80% of tracked Young Left-Backs.
FC Nordsjaelland (2 Young Left-Backs)
FC Midtjylland (1 Young Left-Backs)
FC Rapid 1923 (1 Young Left-Backs)
Viborg FF (1 Young Left-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)
FC Nordsjaelland's Juho Lähteenmäki at 20 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 10.00×. That means Juho Lähteenmäki is valued 10.00× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is FC Midtjylland's Victor Bak, who is 22 years old, with a 5.71× PPVE. Third is Andrei Borza of FC Rapid 1923, who is 20 years old with a 5.56× 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 10.00× means the player is worth 900% 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 | Juho Lähteenmäki FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | U21 | €4.5M | €450K | 10.00× |
| #2 | Victor Bak FC Midtjylland | 22 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €700K | 5.71× |
| #3 | Andrei Borza FC Rapid 1923 | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €450K | 5.56× |
| #4 | Runar Norheim FC Nordsjaelland | 21 | 21-23 | €2.2M | €700K | 3.14× |
| #5 | Srdjan Kuzmic Viborg FF | 22 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €700K | 2.86× |
| #6 | Jakob Jessen FC Fredericia | 22 | 21-23 | €800K | €700K | 1.14× |
| #7 | Răzvan Creț FC Botosani | 20 | U21 | €450K | €450K | 1.00× |
| #8 | Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | 21 | 21-23 | €700K | €700K | 1.00× |
| #9 | Daníel Freyr Kristjánsson FC Fredericia | 21 | 21-23 | €650K | €700K | 0.93× |
| #10 | Giorgi Tabatadze Vejle Boldklub | 20 | U21 | €400K | €450K | 0.89× |
| #11 | Kevin Ciubotaru FC Hermannstadt | 22 | 21-23 | €600K | €700K | 0.86× |
| #12 | Lukas Larsen Bröndby IF | 20 | U21 | €300K | €450K | 0.67× |
| #13 | William Kaastrup Randers FC | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €700K | 0.43× |
| #14 | Robert Sălceanu Petrolul Ploiesti | 22 | 21-23 | €300K | €700K | 0.43× |
| #15 | Robert Bădescu FC Metaloglobus Bucharest | 21 | 21-23 | €150K | €700K | 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 Botosani's Răzvan Creț at 20 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +44%. That means Juho Lähteenmäki is projected to appreciate 44% as they reach their peak age in 6 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Vejle Boldklub's Giorgi Tabatadze, who is 20 years old, with a +44% RPP (6 years to peak). Third is Juho Lähteenmäki of FC Nordsjaelland, who is 20 years old with a +44% 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 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
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Răzvan Creț FC Botosani | 20 | 6 | €450K | €804K | +44% |
| #2 | Giorgi Tabatadze Vejle Boldklub | 20 | 6 | €400K | €715K | +44% |
| #3 | Juho Lähteenmäki FC Nordsjaelland | 20 | 6 | €4.5M | €8.0M | +44% |
| #4 | Andrei Borza FC Rapid 1923 | 20 | 6 | €2.5M | €4.5M | +44% |
| #5 | Lukas Larsen Bröndby IF | 20 | 6 | €300K | €536K | +44% |
| #6 | Daníel Freyr Kristjánsson FC Fredericia | 21 | 5 | €650K | €1.1M | +40% |
| #7 | Robert Bădescu FC Metaloglobus Bucharest | 21 | 5 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #8 | Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | 21 | 5 | €700K | €1.2M | +40% |
| #9 | Runar Norheim FC Nordsjaelland | 21 | 5 | €2.2M | €3.7M | +40% |
| #10 | Victor Bak FC Midtjylland | 22 | 4 | €4.0M | €6.2M | +35% |
| #11 | Srdjan Kuzmic Viborg FF | 22 | 4 | €2.0M | €3.1M | +35% |
| #12 | Kevin Ciubotaru FC Hermannstadt | 22 | 4 | €600K | €927K | +35% |
| #13 | Jakob Jessen FC Fredericia | 22 | 4 | €800K | €1.2M | +35% |
| #14 | William Kaastrup Randers FC | 22 | 4 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
| #15 | Robert Sălceanu Petrolul Ploiesti | 22 | 4 | €300K | €464K | +35% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
FC Rapid 1923's Andrei Borza has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 40.4. That means Andrei Borza has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Bröndby IF's Lukas Larsen with a 40.4 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Răzvan Creț of FC Botosani 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 40.4 means the upside is 40.4× 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 | Andrei Borza FC Rapid 1923 | €2.8M | €2.4M-3.1M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #2 | Lukas Larsen Bröndby IF | €331K | €293K-369K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #3 | Răzvan Creț FC Botosani | €496K | €439K-553K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #4 | Giorgi Tabatadze Vejle Boldklub | €441K | €390K-492K | +10% | 40.4 |
| #5 | Juho Lähteenmäki FC Nordsjaelland | €5.0M | €4.4M-5.5M | +10% | 40.4 |
| #6 | Kevin Ciubotaru FC Hermannstadt | €609K | €548K-669K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #7 | William Kaastrup Randers FC | €304K | €274K-335K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #8 | Robert Sălceanu Petrolul Ploiesti | €304K | €274K-335K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #9 | Jakob Jessen FC Fredericia | €811K | €730K-893K | +1% | 7.0 |
| #10 | Victor Bak FC Midtjylland | €4.1M | €3.7M-4.5M | +1% | 7.0 |
| #11 | Srdjan Kuzmic Viborg FF | €2.0M | €1.8M-2.2M | +1% | 7.0 |
| #12 | Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | €710K | €628K-792K | +1% | 6.1 |
| #13 | Robert Bădescu FC Metaloglobus Bucharest | €152K | €135K-170K | +1% | 6.1 |
| #14 | Runar Norheim FC Nordsjaelland | €2.2M | €2.0M-2.5M | +1% | 6.1 |
| #15 | Daníel Freyr Kristjánsson FC Fredericia | €659K | €583K-735K | +1% | 6.1 |
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 left-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)
FC Botosani's Răzvan Creț in the U21 age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +7.7%. That means Juho Lähteenmäki captures 41.1% of total market value while representing only 33.3% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is FC Rapid 1923's Andrei Borza with a +7.7% ASC (41.1% value share vs 33.3% player share in U21 bracket). Third is Lukas Larsen of Bröndby IF with a +7.7% ASC (41.1% value vs 33.3% players in U21 bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +7.7% ASC means the player captures 7.7% 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 | Răzvan Creț FC Botosani | U21 | 41.1% | 33.3% | +7.7% |
| #2 | Andrei Borza FC Rapid 1923 | U21 | 41.1% | 33.3% | +7.7% |
| #3 | Lukas Larsen Bröndby IF | U21 | 41.1% | 33.3% | +7.7% |
| #4 | Giorgi Tabatadze Vejle Boldklub | U21 | 41.1% | 33.3% | +7.7% |
| #5 | Juho Lähteenmäki FC Nordsjaelland | U21 | 41.1% | 33.3% | +7.7% |
| #6 | Victor Bak FC Midtjylland | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #7 | Kevin Ciubotaru FC Hermannstadt | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #8 | Srdjan Kuzmic Viborg FF | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #9 | Jakob Jessen FC Fredericia | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #10 | William Kaastrup Randers FC | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #11 | Robert Sălceanu Petrolul Ploiesti | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #12 | Runar Norheim FC Nordsjaelland | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #13 | Daníel Freyr Kristjánsson FC Fredericia | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #14 | Robert Bădescu FC Metaloglobus Bucharest | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
| #15 | Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | 21-23 | 58.9% | 66.7% | -7.7% |
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: 0 immediate targets, 5 standard acquisitions, 10 watch-list prospects, 0 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
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 €300K. 0 undervalued, 2 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Robert Bădescu FC Metaloglobus Bucharest | €150K | €650K | -0.32 | Fair Value |
William Kaastrup Randers FC | €300K | €650K | -0.24 | Fair Value |
Robert Sălceanu Petrolul Ploiesti | €300K | €650K | -0.24 | Fair Value |
Lukas Larsen Bröndby IF | €300K | €650K | -0.07 | Fair Value |
Kevin Ciubotaru FC Hermannstadt | €600K | €650K | -0.06 | Fair Value |
Daníel Freyr Kristjánsson FC Fredericia | €650K | €650K | -0.03 | Fair Value |
Giorgi Tabatadze Vejle Boldklub | €400K | €650K | -0.02 | Fair Value |
Răzvan Creț FC Botosani | €450K | €650K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Marcus McCoy Odense Boldklub | €700K | €650K | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Jakob Jessen FC Fredericia | €800K | €650K | +0.06 | Fair Value |
Srdjan Kuzmic Viborg FF | €2.0M | €650K | +0.76 | Above Market |
Runar Norheim FC Nordsjaelland | €2.2M | €650K | +0.88 | Above Market |
Andrei Borza FC Rapid 1923 | €2.5M | €650K | +0.98 | Above Market |
Juho Lähteenmäki FC Nordsjaelland | €4.5M | €650K | +1.93 | Premium |
Victor Bak FC Midtjylland | €4.0M | €650K | +1.94 | Premium |
Market Overview: Superliga Young Left-Backs 2022-23
Our database tracked 15 Superliga Young Left-Backs in the 2022-23 season, representing 13 clubs with a combined market value of €19.8M. The average market value for Superliga Young Left-Backs was €1.3M, with the average age at 21 years old.
The most valuable young left-back in the Superliga was Juho Lähteenmäki, worth €4.5M and played for FC Nordsjaelland at 20 years old. The top 5 Young Left-Backs averaged €3.0M in market value, including Victor Bak and Andrei Borza.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked young left-back was Juho Lähteenmäki (20 years, FC Nordsjaelland, €4.5M), while the oldest was Victor Bak (22 years, FC Midtjylland, €4.0M). Research shows Young Left-Backs typically peak at age 28.
Historical analysis showed 15 Young Left-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 Left-Backs remained actively developing with emerging talent in the 2022-23 season.
How We Rank Superliga Young Left-Backs
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for young left-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 LB
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for Superliga young left-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 left-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%)
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.
LB 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 left-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 Left-Backs in the 2022-23 season
Who are the most valuable Young Left-Backs in the Superliga in 2022-23?
The most valuable young left-back in the Superliga in 2022-23 is Juho Lähteenmäki, who is worth €4.5M and plays for FC Nordsjaelland. The second most valuable is Victor Bak (€4.0M, FC Midtjylland), followed by Andrei Borza (€2.5M, FC Rapid 1923). Our database tracks 15 Superliga Young Left-Backs with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2022-23 season.
How are Superliga Young Left-Backs ranked?
Superliga Young Left-Backs are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Young Left-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 Left-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 left-back from the Superliga?
Transfer fees for Superliga Young Left-Backs vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked young left-back Juho Lähteenmäki (market value: €4.5M), estimated transfer fees would range from €3.6M to €6.3M 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 Left-Backs?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for Superliga Young Left-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 Superliga young left-back data come from?
Our Superliga young left-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.