F365’s team of the U21 European Championship

Ian Watson

After Germany shocked Spain to win the European Under-21 Championships, F365 selects its team of the tournament in a 4-3-3 formation…

GK: Julian Pollersbeck (Germany):
The 22-year-old saved penalties from Tammy Abraham and Nathan Redmond in their shoot-out win over England and conceded only one goal in the group stage. One save from Saul Niguez in the final stood out.

RB: Jeremy Toljan (Germany):
The right-back caused England constant problems in their semi-final in Tychy, setting up Davie Selke’s opener. Enjoys getting forward and showed that after teeing up Mitchell Weiser’s final winner.

CB: Alfie Mawson (England):
His performances enhanced a growing reputation as England reached the semi-finals. Passionate and committed, the Swansea defender was one of the Young Lions’ best players in Poland.

CB: Marc-Oliver Kampf (Germany):
Freiburg centre-back Kampf was a rock as Germany conceded just three goals in the tournament and dealt with losing regular partner Niklas Stark in the warm-up against England with minimum fuss.

LB: Jonny (Spain):
The Celta Vigo defender can play at right or left back and excelled as Spain conceded just twice en route to the final, even if he did ultimately struggle in the final against Germany.

MF:Marcos Llorente (Spain):
His dad, Paco, played in the Under-21 final in 1986 and the Real Madrid man has been the shield for Spain in midfield as others take the credit going forward.

MF: Dani Ceballos (Spain):
A good passer and increasingly elusive, Ceballos’ link-up with Marco Asensio was key in Spain’s successful tournament. A reported target for Real Madrid his vision and patience on the ball has been crucial.

MF: Saul Niguez (Spain):
Five goals, including a hat-trick in the semi-final win over Italy, saw the Atletico Madrid man win the Golden Boot. He took the spotlight off pre-tournament favourite Asensio, but was kept quiet against Germany.

FWD: Bruma (Portugal):
His three goals could not stop Portugal’s group stage exit, but the RB Leipzig attacker still impressed and scored one of the goals of the tournament with a spectacular volley in their 3-1 defeat to Spain.

FWD: Marco Asensio (Spain):
The Real Madrid youngster completed a treble after winning LaLiga and the Champions League last season. His hat-trick against Macedonia set the tone for Spain’s group stage campaign until they failed against Germany.

FWD: Federico Bernardeschi (Italy):
Two goals, including one in the semi-final against Spain, earns the Fiorentina forward a spot in the team. The 23-year-old’s dribbling ability has earned comparisons with Francesco Totti and he can play anywhere along the front line.