Atletico Madrid summer signing features in best rated U21 XI

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

Goalkeeper: Marcin Bulka (Paris Saint-Germain) - 7.11 rating

With Alphonse Areola on the cusp of a move to Real Madrid, Marcin Bulka was given an opportunity between the sticks in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 win away to Metz on Friday. Bulka turned in a faultless display, completing 100% of his passes and saving both of Metz’s attempts on targets.

Right-back: Takehiro Tomiyasu (Bologna) - 7.81 rating

Bologna picked up their first win of the season after edging SPAL 1-0 at home, with right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu one of their standout performers. Tomiyasu completed two interceptions and made four clearances to help keep SPAL out. He also proved an attacking outlet, completing five dribbles to help push Bologna up the pitch.

Centre-back: Bafode Diakite (Toulouse) - 7.43 rating

Bafode Diakite is one of two Toulouse centre-backs in the best rated XI following their 2-0 win at home to Amiens. The 18-year-old played an integral role at the back for Toulouse, completing five clearances and five tackles and interceptions combined, as Amiens were limited to just one shot on target.

Centre-back: Kelvin Amian (Toulouse) - 7.64 rating

Kelvin Amian is hardly the experienced rock to help guide Diakite along at the age of just 21, but the centre-back went one better than his team-mate and was the WhoScored Man of the Match. Amian completed five clearances and four tackles and interceptions combined, while registering an assist in the victory.

Left-back: Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid) - 8.02 rating

Renan Lodi gave Atletico Madrid fans a glimpse of his offensive qualities in their thrilling 3-2 win over Eibar on Sunday. The 21-year-old was signed over the summer to replace veteran Filipe Luis and finished as the WhoScored Man of the Match at the weekend. Lodi registered one assist and created a further two goalscoring opportunities, as well as winning three fouls. Lodi also won five aerial duels and completed four tackles and interceptions combined.

Right wing: Dejan Kulusevski (Parma) - 8.01 rating

Parma secured their first win of the season with a 3-1 win away to Udinese and 19-year-old Dejan Kulusevski was a standout performer for the Serie A side. The Swedish teenager registered two assists in the victory and completed two dribbles. Kulusevski also worked hard defensively, completing four tackles and interceptions combined.

Central midfield: Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg) - 8.11 rating

Wolfsburg manager Oliver Glasner rewarded Josip Brekalo with a start following last week’s superb cameo from the bench and the 21-year-old did not disappoint, scoring in their 1-1 draw with Paderborn. Brekalo also registered three key passes and completed as many dribbles, while chipping in with three tackles.

Central midfield: Hamed Junior Traore (Sassuolo) - 7.98 rating

Sassuolo heaped more misery on Sampdoria with a big 4-1 victory over their Serie A rivals on Sunday. Hamed Junior Traore scored his first goal of the season and was a constant threat in attack. The 19-year-old had three attempts on goal in total, registered one key pass and completed two dribbles.

Left wing: Ruben Vargas (Augsburg) - 7.99 rating

Ruben Vargas continued his fine start to the season with a brace in Augsburg’s 3-2 defeat to Werder Bremen on Sunday. The 21-year-old now has three goals in as many appearances, this time netting twice from three attempts on goal. Vargas won two tackles before being substituted in the 73rd-minute. 

Striker: Tammy Abraham (Chelsea) - 8.46 rating

Tammy Abraham netted a brace for the second match in succession for Chelsea, this time in their 2-2 draw with Sheffield United. Abraham was the WhoScored Man of the Match on Saturday, though Chelsea will be bitterly disappointed to have thrown away a 2-0 lead at home. Abraham had four shots against the Blades, won three aerial duels and impressive registered four key passes.

Striker: Christian Kouame (Genoa) - 7.94 rating

Christian Kouame scored for the second game in succession and this time Genoa were able to get over the line. They drew 3-3 with Roma in their first match before running out 2-1 winners at home to Fiorentina on Sunday. Against Fiorentina, Kouame won five aerial duels and registered four key passes to go with his goal.