Chelsea starlets make best rated U21 XI from Europe’s top 5 leagues

Here we run through the best rated XI from the weekend’s action across Europe’s top five leagues, comprised of players aged 21 and under.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan) – 6.76 rating

AC Milan slipped to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Udinese in their league opener and it could have been worse had it not been for Gianluigi Donnarumma's display in goal. The 20-year-old made five saves, won one aerial duel and successfully claimed one cross.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) – 7.56 rating

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded the display of Trent Alexander-Arnold in their 3-1 win over Arsenal on Saturday evening. The 20-year-old delivered the corner from which Liverpool scored their first goal of the game and created a further five goalscoring chances. He even had three attempts on goal.

Centre-back: Nordi Mukiele (RB Leipzig) – 7.82 rating

Nordi Mukiele’s impressive start to the season continued at the weekend, as RB Leipzig earned a 2-1 win at home to Frankfurt on Sunday. The 21-year-old was colossal at the back and earned the WhoScored Man of the Match award. He made eight tackles, the joint-most in a Bundesliga match this season, and a further three interceptions.

Centre-back: Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina) – 7.73 rating

Nikola Milenkovic has been moved to his preferred centre-back position for Fiorentina this season and makes the XI despite the fact the Viola lost 4-3 to Napoli in their league opener. Milenkovic netted in the defeat, completed 95% of his passes and made seven clearances and three interceptions.

Left-back: Rayan Ait Nouri (Angers) – 7.79 rating

Rayan Ait Nouri registered an assist in Angers’ 3-0 win over Metz at the weekend to make this best rated XI for the first time. The 18-year-old, who now has two assists in three games, completed three tackles and interceptions combined and two clearances to help Angers keep their first clean sheet of the season.

Central midfield: Dennis Geiger – 8.16 rating

Hoffenheim midfielder Dennis Geiger played an instrumental role in their thrilling 3-2 win over Werder Bremen on Saturday. Despite being in the team as a defensive midfielder, Geiger registered two assists against Bremen, as many as his previous 26 league appearances combined. Geiger also made three tackles and completed 91.5% of his passes.

Central midfield: Martin Odegaard (Real Sociedad) – 8.35 rating

Martin Odegaard scored his first LaLiga goal in Real Sociedad’s 1-0 win away to newly promoted Mallorca. The Real Madrid loanee was unsurprisingly the WhoScored Man of the Match after netting the match winner. The 20-year-old had three shots in total, created one goalscoring chance and completed four dribbles.

Central midfield:  Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg) – 7.90 rating

Josip Brekalo only featured in 13 minutes of Wolfsburg’s 3-0 win away to Hertha Berlin but the 21-year-old had a devastating impact from the bench. Brekalo scored and assisted in that time to help Wolfsburg wrap up all three points. He was also fouled twice in that time and completed two tackles and interceptions combined.

Right wing: Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) – 8.54 rating

Jadon Sancho scored and assisted for the second league game running, as Borussia Dortmund came from behind to beat FC Cologne 3-1 on Friday. Sancho was the WhoScored Man of the Match after attempting three shots, registering two key passes and completing as many dribbles. He celebrated by flying back to England for Notting Hill Carnival.

Striker: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea) – 8.32 rating

Tammy Abraham silenced some of his doubters with a brace in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Norwich on Saturday. The 21-year-old scored his two goals from three attempts and also registered one key pass. Many have questioned whether Abraham has what it takes to lead the line for Chelsea and he will now hope to kick on.

Left wing: Mason Mount (Chelsea) – 8.16 rating

Mason Mount has also responded well to criticism this season, scoring in a second straight game for Chelsea. The 20-year-old had five shots against Norwich, while registering two key passes and completing two dribbles. Mount also weighed in two tackles and one clearance to help Chelsea over the line.