Under 21 Euros: Best XI after the Group Stages

#Right Back: Cristian Manea (Romania U-21, CFR Cluj)

Serbia v Romania - UEFA Nations League C

Romania Under-21 have been the surprise package of this edition of the Euro Under-21 tournament, surprising everyone by pipping France to the top of Group C with their plucky performances. Right-back Cristian Manea has been one of their standout players and was declared man-of-the-match in the 0-0 draw between Romania and France, which in effect handed the group to the Tricolorii.

Having provided 1 assist in three starts, Manea has averaged 3.3 successful tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 clearances and 1 blocks per game. The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Romanian club CFR Cluj from Cypriot outfit Apollon Limassol.

---

#Centra Back: Krystian Bielik (Poland U-21/Arsenal)

Italy v Poland: Group A - 2019 UEFA U-21 Championship

Poland presented a stern challenge for hosts Italy and 2017 Under-21 Euro finalists Spain in Group A as all three teams finished with 6 points with 3 games. La Furia Roja narrowly got through on a better goal difference. No player better exemplified the fighting spirit of the Poles than Arsenal centre-back Krystian Bielik who impressed everyone with his dominating displays in the centre of defence.

The 21-year-old towering centre-back also chipped in with two goals as the Biało-czerwoni defeated Italy and Belgium in the group stages, faltering in their final game against Spain. Bielik average 2.7 aerial duels won, 1.3 tackles, 2 interceptions,7.7 clearances and 1.3 blocks per game over the three group matches to cap an impressive individual tournament performance.

---

#Centre Back: Dayot Upamecano (France U-21, RB Leipzig)

Napoli v RB Leipzig - UEFA Europa League

Dayot Upamecano underscored his emergence as one of the finest young defenders in Europe with a glittering display in the Under-21 Euros, leading France into the semi-finals as the best second-placed team from amongst the three groups. The 20-year-old RB Leipzig defender was imperious at the back as the Les Bleus conceded just once over their three group games.

Averaging a stunning 3 aerials won, 2.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game, Upamecano has been a colossus in defence for the Frenchmen, shutting out the potent attacks of England, Croatia and Romania.