U21 team of the month: Bundesliga the dominant league in youth XI

As November rolls round, it’s time to determine the U21 European team of the month. 

Goalkeeper: Paul Bernardoni (Nimes) - 6.69 rating 

Nimes goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni conceded just three goals in October, keeping one clean sheet in the process, as the young shotstopper continues to impress. He made eight saves to help return a WhoScored rating of 6.69. 

Right-back: Enock Kwateng (Nantes) - 8.05 rating 

The second of four Ligue 1 players to make this XI, Enock Kwateng was excellent for a Nantes side that won both games he started in October. He provided the assist for one of Emiliano Sala’s three goals in a 4-0 win over Toulouse and chipped in with two key passes, two successful dribbles, seven tackles and 10 interceptions to gain a WhoScored rating of 8.05. 

Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig) - 7.39 rating 

RB Leipzig were hugely impressive in October with the Bundesliga side shutting out the opponent in both matches Dayot Upamecano started. He won five aerial duels last month and gained a WhoScored rating of 7.39 courtesy of two tackles, six interceptions and three clearances in clean sheet attaining displays against Nuernberg and Schalke. 

Centre-back: Malang Sarr (Nice) - 7.34 rating 

Nice endured mixed fortunes in October, picking up four points from a possible nine. Teenage centre-back Malang Sarr impressed nonetheless as he gained a WhoScored rating of 7.34. Winning seven aerial duels, making 14 tackles and six interceptions, it was a successful month for Sarr, even if Nice won only one of three matches. 

Left-back: Achraf Hakimi (Borussia Dortmund) - 7.21 rating 

A right-back by trade, Achraf Hakimi slotted in well at left-back for Bundesliga toppers Borussia Dortmund. The on-loan full-back chipped in with two assists, those coming against Augsburg and Hertha Berlin from his only two key passes, while the Moroccan defended well, making five tackles and four interceptions to gain a 7.21 WhoScored rating. If he can maintain his good form in both league and Champions League, he could prove a handy addition to your Football INDEX portfolio.

Right-wing: Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo) - 7.86 rating 

Pione Sisto isn’t the only young winger impressing for Celta Vigo, with Brais Mendez forcing his way, not only into the best-rated youth XI in Europe, but the La Liga team of the month too. The younger winger scored and assisted in a 4-0 win over Eibar last time out, with 10 key passes and nine tackles helping land a WhoScored rating of 7.86. 

Central midfield: Reiss Nelson (Hoffenheim) - 7.92 rating 

On-loan Reiss Nelson has been hugely influential for Hoffenheim following his loan switch from Arsenal. The teenager netted three goals in as many appearances for the Bundesliga side, two of which came in a man of the match display against Nuernberg. An additional eight tackles helped round off a fine October for Nelson. 

Central midfield: Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen) - 7.53 rating 

It’s an all-Bundesliga central midfield pairing in this side as Kai Havertz makes the cut. The German may have churned out so-so performances in draws with Freiburg and Hannover 96, but he turned on the style in a 6-2 win at Werder Bremen, where Havertz bagged a brace. Indeed, his good form returned a WhoScored rating of 7.53. 

Left-wing: Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund) - 7.77 rating 

The second of two English teenagers in this side, Jadon Sancho is benefitting immensely under the tutelage of Lucien Favre. The Borussia Dortmund sensation had a direct hand in four goals in three league outings in October, scoring three and assisting one, as BVB ended the month at the summit of Germany’s top tier. Sancho’s fine form saw him rewarded with a WhoScored rating of 7.77 last month and a spot in this team. 

Striker: Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - 8.68 rating 

Not only the highest rated player in Ligue 1 in October, but the best-rated youth XI too. Kylian Mbappe scored more goals (6) than any other player in France’s top tier last month, including a 13-minute hat-trick in a resounding win over Lyon, that helped the PSG star return a WhoScored rating of 8.68. 

Striker: Luka Jovic (Eintracht Frankfurt) - 8.21 rating 

Rounding off the XI is Bundesliga player of the month Luka Jovic, who enjoyed a prolific October and then some! He netted six goals last month, including five in a resounding 7-1 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf, as he landed a WhoScored rating of 8.21.