U23 Defensive/Central Midfielders

In this thread I will analyze the greatest talents in DM/CM position.

This position is very complex, so I created 5 graphs, each one focusing on different skills.

After the graphs the standout players will be introduced with some cool radars!

The graph above measures the defensive ability of the players. I used possession adjusted stats -> tackles and interceptions. Locatelli and N'didi are killing it!

This one focuses on passing accuracy mixed with long pass accurcy. No surprise here: Rodri above everyone else.

Third graph - Dribbling

I looked at how many dribbles each midfielder makes per game, and also how efficient they are.

This graph shows us the wide range of players who can play in these positions: from the types of Rodri and Neves to Aouar, Castrovili and R. Sanchez.

I also wanted to examine the ball carrying ability of our players. Progressive runs / progressive passes are always a good indicator!

Locatelli is leading the gruop once again.

The last graph is creativity. I thought this one could be an interesting addition to the analyzis. Obviously this graph is dominated by CM's but I wanted to include it.

Tielemans in his own league but Sanchez, Locatelli and Barella are also impressive!

SHORTLIST

Manuel Locatelli - Sassuolo (22)

Locatelli was the biggest surprise for me. He performed obscenely good on every graph, especially in tackles and ball progression. Italy's U21 captian joined Sassuolo before the season for just 12 million. True all around player.

MV: €17.00m

Eduardo Camavinga - Stade Rennes (17)

Despite being only 17 y.o. Camavinga can already perform on the highest level. The biggest strenghts of his are tackles and decision making but he also was one of the best passers in the graphs. Generational talent!

MV: €42.00m

Frenkie de Jong - Barcelona (22)

I don't think I have to introduce him to anybody. Frankie became the center of attention in 18/19 and he's not planning to move out. Excellent passer, ball-progressor and dribbler, Barca's best singing in the past few years!

MV: €90.00m

Fabián Rúiz - Napoli (24)

Rúiz is the odd one out: he turned 24 yesterday but I felt like he has to be here. The Spaniard is one of the best passers in Serie A and despite being rather attacking minded, he completes a fair amount of interceptions too.

MV: €60.00m

Honorable Mentions:

Wilfred Ndidi - Leicester (23)
Rodri - Manchester City (23)
Denis Zakaria - Borussia Mönchengladbach (23)
Youri Tielemans - Leicester (22)

data: @Wyscout
radars: https://organizedchaos.herokuapp.com/ 
Market Values: @Transfermarkt
I only included players with at least 1500 mins.

Hope you liked this! Feel free to DM me with requests or suggestions!

RT's and feedbacks are appreciated as always!