Germany dominate Euro U21 best XI after smashing Serbia for six
Goalkeeper: Kamil Grabara (Poland) - 8.14 rating
Poland secured a fine result to defeat five-time Euro U21 champions Italy 1-0 on Wednesday night. The result was largely possible due to the goalkeeping display of Kamil Grabara, who produced five saves and one successful high claim to cap a memorable evening.
Right-back: Cristian Manea (Romania) - 7.21 rating
In an absolutely barnstorming final 15 minutes, England fell to a 4-2 loss to Romania to knock the Three Lions out of the U21 European Championships, with all six goals coming from the 75th minute onwards. Cristian Manea may have been part of a defence that shipped twice, but he was on hand to make five tackles and three interceptions in the win over England.
Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (France) - 7.57 rating
France’s 1-0 win over Croatia wasn’t particularly enthralling, but Les Espoirs did just enough to wrap up the victory. 20-year-old Dayot Upamecano made 120 passes in the encounter, a record in a match at the competition, and chipped in with four interceptions to round off a solid showing.
Centre-back: Sebastiaan Bornauw (Belgium) - 8.19 rating
Belgium may have fallen to a late 2-1 loss at the hands of Spain, yet young centre-back Sebtastiaan Bornauw did enough to warrant a man of the match display. The defender scored Belgium’s only goal in the defeat, while two aerial duels won, five clearances and three interceptions saw him secure a WhoScored rating of 8.19.
Left-back: Benjamin Henrichs (Germany) - 7.83 rating
The first of four Germany players to make the cut following their 6-1 smashing of Serbia, Benjamin Henrichs provided one assist from his sole key pass in the resounding victory, and was defensively solid too, with three interceptions and two tackles helping return a WhoScored rating of 7.83.
Right midfield: Demarai Gray (England) - 8.79 rating
Despite ending up on the losing side, Demarai Gray was still impressive with his WhoScored rating (8.79) enough to land the WhoScored man of the match award as Romania knocked England out in a 4-2 win. The 22-year-old hit the back of the net with one of his five shots and made more tackles (5) than any other player in the second round of Euro U21 matches.
Central midfield: Krystian Bielik (Poland) - 8.37 rating
Pipping Grabara to the man of the match gong in Poland’s 1-0 win over Italy, Krystian Bielik was again excellent as he notched his second goal of the competition. In an unfamiliar midfield spot, the 21-year-old was unfazed as he made nine clearances, three tackles and two interceptions to go with his goal. Arsenal fans are excited to see what he can bring to north London after his fine showings on the international stage.
Central midfield: Mahmoud Dahoud (Germany) - 8.25 rating
He may have rarely featured for Borussia Dortmund last season, but Mahmoud Dahoud showed why he is a key player for the Germany U21 side with another fine performance in midfield. The 23-year-old scored with one of two shots against Serbia and provided one assist from four chances created to secure a WhoScored rating of 8.25.
Left midfield: Marco Richter (Germany) - 9.27 rating
Capping off the midfield is Marco Richter, who followed up his man of the match performance against Denmark with another fine showing, this time at Serbia’s expense. The Augsburg star scored with one of five shots and assisted from one of three key passes and it means he has had a direct hand in five of Germany’s nine goals this summer.
Striker: George Puscas (Romania) - 7.86 rating
The second Romania player to make the grade, George Puscas scored the decisive penalty that set them on their path to a 4-2 win over England, his second goal of the competition, that coming from one of two shots. Additional returns of four key passes and three success dribbles saw him land a WhoScored rating of 7.86.
Striker: Gian-Luca Waldschmidt (Germany) - 10.0 rating
Rounding off this XI, and becoming the first player to secure a perfect 10 at the U21 European Championships, Gian-Luca Waldschmidt was in exceptional form against Serbia. Indeed, the 23-year-old rattled in a hat-trick against Serbia, netting with three of four shots, as he excelled on the frontline.
