Dalot one of two Manchester United players in U21 European Team of the Week

Here we run through the best rated XI from Europe’s top five leagues, comprising only of players aged 21 and under.

Goalkeeper: Emil Audero (Sampdoria) – 7.83 rating

Sampdoria are now four matches unbeaten after holding Lazio to a 2-2 draw and the Serie A side have goalkeeper Emil Audero to thank for getting a point. The 21-year-old made eight saves, the most he has managed in a league game this season since mid-September against Fiorentina (also eight).

Left-back: Fode Ballo-Toure (Lille) – 7.71 rating

Lille were one of only eight games that played in France over the weekend and recorded a 1-1 draw at home to Reims, with left-back Fode Ballo-Toure winning the WhoScored Man of the Match. The 21-year-old won six tackles and interceptions combined and also proved a useful outlet in attack. The youngster completed three dribbles and won five fouls.

Centre-back: Jordan Torunarigha (Hertha Berlin) – 7.48 rating

Hertha Berlin defender Jordan Torunarigha retains a place in the U21 Team of the Week after another fine showing in a 1-0 win over Frankfurt. After scoring and assisting last week, the 21-year-old was more important at the back this time around to help Hertha keep a second successive clean sheet. Torunarigha won two tackles, made eight clearances, won one aerial duel and impressively completed 92% of his passes.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero (Genoa) – 7.41 rating

To say it’s been a turbulent season for Genoa would be an understatement. They are winless in nine league matches but at least held a fellow relegation rival in SPAL to a draw at the weekend, despite being reduced to 10 men after just 11 minutes. Genoa only had 27% possession, putting a lot of pressure on the likes of Cristian Romero at the back but the 20-year-od rose to the challenge, making 10 clearances and six tackles and interceptions combined.

Right-back: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United) – 7.58 rating

After declaring Diogo Dalot will be Manchester United’s right-back for the next decade, the 19-year-old excelled again in a 4-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. Dalot’s delivery from wide areas was particularly impressive and the teenager completed four of his eight crosses, registering three key passes. Dalot also completed three dribbles, the joint most of any United player on display at Old Trafford.

Central midfield: Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 7.39 rating

Bayer Leverkusen battled to a 1-0 win over Augsburg on Saturday and Kai Havertz was one of few impressive performers. The 19-year-old, billed as one of Germany’s best prospects, had four shots and won as many aerial duels against Augsburg, while also completing two dribbles and winning two fouls.

Central midfield: Florian Neuhaus (Gladbach) – 7.90 rating

Florian Neuhaus was only on the pitch for 30 minutes against VfB Stuttgart but made a decisive impact for Gladbach. The 21-year-old registered his seventh assist of the league campaign – the joint-most in the Bundesliga – before doubling Gladbach’s lead, his first of the season, in a stunning 16-minute spell. Despite only being on the pitch for half-an-hour, only Michael Lang (4) had more shots than Neuhaus (3) of all Gladbach players.

Central midfield: Oscar Rodriguez (Leganes) – 7.45 rating

Real Madrid loanee Oscar Rodriguez keeps his place in the U21 Team of the Week from Europe’s top five leagues after helping 10-man Leganes to a 1-1 draw at home to Getafe. The 20-year-old had three shots, registered four key passes and completed four dribbles in an eye-catching attacking performance.

Left wing: Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona) – 9.24 rating

Ousmane Dembele continues to dominate the headlines for all the wrong reasons but his on-field performances have been brilliant of late. Dembele scored and assisted against Espanyol on Saturday - the first time he's managed the feat in a La Liga match this season - and has now been directly involved in a goal in his last four Barcelona appearances. Dembele also completed three tackles against Espanyol, his joint-most in a La Liga game this season.

Forward: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) – 8.92 rating

Marcus Rashford has now played a direct hand in five goals in his last three league matches after scoring once and providing two assists in a 4-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. Rashford has now played a direct hand in eight goals in 13 league appearances this season (three goals, five assists) and finally looks to have turned a corner and a troubled start to the season at club level.

Right wing: Brais Mendez (Celta Vigo) – 9.55 rating

Like Marcus Rashford, Brais Mendez scored once and registered two assists, as Celta Vigo beat Villarreal 3-2. The 21-year-old has been a revelation for the Spanish side this season and will surely attract some interest from Europe's biggest clubs at the end of the season. Mendez has played a direct hand in nine goals in 12 league appearances this term. He was also denied by the woodwork against Villarreal, preventing him for adding to his haul.