Reitz tops CIES Soccer Observatory checklist of U23 defensive midfielders

February 20 – The most recent report from the CIES Soccer Observatory, utilizing technical knowledge from Wyscout, has recognized the highest U23 defensive midfielders throughout 46 leagues worldwide. Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz leads the rankings, edging out Barcelona’s Marc Casadó and Genk’s Ibrahima Sory Bangoura.  

The research evaluates efficiency utilizing an artificial index, calculated by assessing defensive duels gained beneath elbow peak, move interceptions and anticipation on unfastened balls. These metrics are adjusted for achievement price and the sporting degree of matches performed, guaranteeing a complete rating. Gamers will need to have logged no less than 450 home league minutes within the 2024/25 season to be included.  

In Germany, Reitz stands out because the highest-ranked participant. The 21-year-old has been a key determine in his membership’s midfield, displaying a powerful potential to learn the sport and win challenges in tight areas. 

Spain’s high performer is Casadó, the most recent La Masia product to emerge as a possible long-term fixture in Barcelona’s midfield. Dubbed “La Masia’s midfield glue”, his intelligence on and off the ball has seen him rise by means of the ranks, incomes recognition in a facet grappling with monetary constraints, but nonetheless producing elite younger expertise.  

In England, Ryan Gravenberch has been Liverpool’s breakout midfield presence. The 22-year-old, who arrived from Bayern Munich in 2023, has impressed along with his potential to get better possession and disrupt opposition assaults. After spending a lot of his debut 12 months on the bench, the Dutchman is proving to be a significant part in Arne Slot’s evolving midfield.  

Over in France, João Neves has been Paris Saint-Germain’s standout younger midfielder. Signed from Benfica in the summertime, the 19-year-old has tailored shortly to Ligue 1, demonstrating a powerful potential to win floor duels regardless of his relative inexperience on the high degree.  

Italy’s highest-ranked participant is Lorenzo Amatucci from Serie B facet Salernitana, who doesn’t characteristic inside the highest 50, reflecting a regarding lack of each youth and high quality in defensive midfield roles throughout Serie A. In contrast to their European rivals, Italy’s golf equipment seem like falling behind in producing younger gamers who can dominate defensively in midfield.  

Past the highest 5 leagues, Genk’s Bangoura is rising as a possible switch candidate for larger European golf equipment. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed and he might quickly be on the transfer to a higher-profile league.  

Willem II’s Amine Lachkar and Zwolle’s Nick Fichtinger have additionally impressed, securing spots within the high 10.  

Among the many youngest gamers within the checklist is Las Palmas’ Dário Essugo, presently on mortgage from Sporting CP, who’s the highest-ranked teenager at simply 19 years previous.  

Different promising names embody Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery and Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, all of whom are making early waves in senior soccer because the three youngest entries within the checklist at 17, 18 and 19 respectively.  

With 32 totally different leagues represented within the high 100, the information highlights the huge vary of younger midfielders excelling in defensive conditions internationally.  

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