European U21 Team of the Month: Leicester ace stars in September XI
Looking back on the month of September, we reveal the highest rated XI of players aged 21 and under to have made a minimum of three league appearances.
Emil Audero (Sampdoria) - 7.33
If the start of the season is anything to go by, Juventus’ long term prospects in terms of Gigi Buffon may well be in safe hands given the form of Audero, currently on loan at Sampdoria. The 21-year-old is the highest rated keeper in Europe so far, and secured a rating of 7.33 in September having kept three clean sheets and conceded just twice in five appearances.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Crystal Palace) - 7.67
Returning to the side having been suspended for the final league game in August, Wan-Bissaka has cemented his place as first choice right-back at Palace, helping the team keep clean sheets against Huddersfield and Newcastle last month. The 20-year-old completed an impressive five tackles in each of his three appearances.
Issa Diop (West Ham) - 7.15
After a nightmare debut against Arsenal Diop has recovered superbly and justified the faith that Manuel Pellegrini kept in him after his error at the Emirates. Singled out for praise by Jose Mourinho last time out, the 21-year-old forged an impressive partnership with fellow summer signing Fabian Balbuena, conceding just three times in four league games and keeping a clean sheet against Chelsea.
Jules Kounde (Bordeaux) - 7.04
Improving as the month wore on, 19-year-old Kounde registered an assist in a 3-1 victory at Guingamp before helping his side keep back-to-back clean sheets against Lille and Reims to climb the Ligue 1 table.
Federico Dimarco (Parma) - 7.43
Another youngster impressing out on loan in Serie A, Dimarco helped Parma to three clean sheets in as many appearances in September, scoring a stunning winning goal against parent club Inter in the first of those matches.
Houssem Aouar (Lyon) - 7.68
After a slow start to the season Aouar enjoyed a return to form last month, with goals against both Marseille and Nantes as Lyon went unbeaten throughout September.
Ibrahim Sangare (Toulouse) - 7.55
Continuing his excellent start to the season, Sangare keeps his place in the U21 team of the month having opened his account for the season in victory at Guingamp. The 19-year-old completed 19 tackles and 10 dribbles in five appearances in September.
Jacob Bruun Larsen (Borussia Dortmund) - 7.91
Forcing his way into the side having scored four goals in a friendly with Osnabrueck at the start of the month, Larsen has made a real impression from the Dortmund left. The Dane scored twice in three appearances in September, registering a further assist as BVB climbed to the top of the Bundesliga table.
James Maddison (Leicester) - 7.73
Taking to the Premier League like a duck to water, Maddison will be knocking on the door of England manager Gareth Southgate having had a direct hand in each of his four appearances last month (two goals, two assists).
Javairo Dilrosun (Hertha Berlin) - 7.56
It was a month that winger Dilrosun won’t forget, making his first team debut as an early substitute at Schalke before scoring on his first start at Wolfsburg. The Dutchman went on to score twice and register three assists over the course of the month, helping Hertha to a memorable win over Bayern.
Allan Saint-Maximin (Nice) - 7.21
Leading the line for Nice following the appointment of Patrick Vieira, Saint-Maximin made some important contributions last month, with a goal in a 2-1 victory over Rennes and assist in a win of the same scoreline at Nantes.
