Euro U21 Best XI: Germany duo among top performers in round one

Here we run through the top five highest WhoScored rated players in the best XI from the opening round of group matches at the U21 European Championships.

5. Gian-Luca Waldschmidt (Germany) – 8.11 rating

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt kickstarted his Euro U21 campaign with a goal in Germany’s 3-1 win over Denmark on Monday. The Freiburg striker hit the target with three of his five attempts on goal and also created four goalscoring chances for team-mates. Despite playing up front, the 23-year-old impressively completed 90% of his passes.

4. Lorenzo Pellegrini (Italy) – 8.36 rating

Lorenzo Pellegrini scored in Italy’s 3-1 win over Spain in their first group match, rubbing-stamping all three points with the final goal of the game from the spot. The Roma midfielder was influential throughout the match. Pellegrini had three shots in total, completed three dribbles and was fouled as many times. The 23-year-old also completed three tackles and interceptions combined.

3. Sascha Horvath (Austria) – 8.62 rating

Austria surprised a Serbia outfit containing several full internationals with a 2-0 win, in which Sascha Horvath found the back of the net. Horvath was the WhoScored Man of the Match in Austria’s triumph and was denied a second goal by the frame of the woodwork. The 22-year-old had three shots in total and also registered three key passes from the right wing. Horvath also made three tackles and interceptions combined and completed three dribbles.

2. Tudor Baluta (Romania) – 8.69 rating

Italy's Federico Chiesa was actually the second highest WhoScored rated player from the opening round of group games but misses out on a place in the XI due to Marco Richter's superior rating. We therefore take a look at Tudor Baluta, who helped Romania recorded a highly impressive 4-1 win over Croatia in their opening game of the tournament. The 20-year-old scored once from three shots, registered four key passes and won two aerial duels. Not only that, but Baluta completed seven tackles and interceptions combined to finish as the WhoScored Man of the Match.

1. Marco Richter (Germany) – 9.54 rating

Marco Richter finishes the opening round of group games at the U21 European Championships as the top WhoScored rated player after his influential display against Denmark on Monday. The German winger played a direct hand in all three goals Germany scored, netting twice and registering an assist for Gian-Luca Waldschmidt. Richter scored with both shots on target, created a further goalscoring opportunity and completed three dribbles.