Wednesday 31 October 2012

JULIAN DRAXLER

Who is he? Where does he play?

Draxler is a 19 year old German winger plying his trade for Schalke in the Bundesliga. Naturally an attacker, he operates mainly on the left wing but can play anywhere across the band behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1. Fitting the new mould of physically robust winger standing at 6ft 2 and is both footed, with his natural instinct to cut inside as he requires improvement on his crossing ability.

Part of the impressive German generation then?

Oh yes, after making his professional debut last January where at the time he was the fourth youngest Bundesliga ever, his ascent to the top has been fast. Well, his rise through the Diemaanshcaft's youth-system has been pretty darn quick, from the under 18s to the senior squad in two years, with Joachim Loew handing the winger his debut vs Switzerland in the summer after being surprisingly included in the provisional squad for Euro 2012. 

He's a diamond in the Schalke crown?

It's certainly looking that way, with coach Huub Stevens not averse to throwing his faith behind young players with Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Lewis Holtby also earning rave reviews as Die Königsblauen sit second in the Bundesliga and are performing well in their Champions League group. Draxler forced his way into a regular spot last season as he made 45 appearances, and has somewhat continued that into this season. Stevens remains cautious with his talent though as he has yet to complete 90 minutes this term, despite appearing ten times. He caught the eye with a superb performance against Montpellier in the Champions League before a nasty looking wrist injury forced him off.

Yet there is improvement needed?

He hasn't quite yet managed to emerge into the full creative talent his potential suggests but with an eye for a deadly pass in the final third and a threat from long range shooting, he can be a threat for Stevens' side as he comfortably drifts across the forward areas linking the play effectively. An instinct to beat his full-back and put crosses in is missing, but that may arrive as the 19 year old matures. 

What does the future hold?

His potential has been noticed by Tutto Sport if by nobody else as the website includes him on the list for their European "Golden Boy" award for this season while the German has been linked with a move to Arsenal as Arsene Wenger could be in the market for a replacement for Andrei Arshavin. Everyone knows Wenger has an eye for a young gun worth a bob or two and Draxler would fit his quick-moving, passing Gunners like a well-sewn mitten.

Transfer Value: £12 Million- TYSS Rating: 7/10