Wolfsburg forward Julian Draxler stole the headlines as the German Bundesliga outfit enjoyed a 3-2 victory away to Gent in the first leg of the Champions League knockouts on Wednesday night. The talented German international, 22, was the difference for the Wolves and showcased exactly what he can do when given space to work an opening.
Individual brilliance
Both goals scored were outstanding due to his impressive movement and quick feet, and his performance had many raving on social media. Wolfsburg spent a large sum to secure his signature, but Draxler hasn’t had it all his own way since the move. However, moments of magic like Wednesday night certainly go some way to vindicating such outlay.
His first goal came in the 44th minute and saw him brilliantly rolling a defender on the left flank to run clear down the line, before playing a one-two with his teammate to be put through on goal. And with the composure of a veteran he coolly slotted home to put Wolfsburg ahead. He wasn’t done there, however, and bagged a beautiful second goal that was arguably even better than his opener.
Why hasn’t a European giant signed him?
Capitalising on a poor backpass from Gent’s midfielder, Draxler ghosted past an onrushing defender with a nutmeg, kept running through the heart of the defence before chipping delicately over the goalkeeper to double Wolfsburg lead in the 54th minute. His overall performance on Wednesday night was impressive too, with the youngster full of running but also keeping the ball well at times.
Linked with numerous European sides in the last handful of seasons, it was a shock to see Draxler at the Volkswagen Arena, but his performance in Europe might attract the attention of suitors. Arsenal were one club having shown an interest in the forward, but no deal ever materialised and it seemed he may spiral into mediocrity at Wolfsburg.
The Bundesliga club aren’t challenging at the top as they’d hoped given the money that was spent in the last three transfer windows, and their European campaign might be the deciding factor for Draxler’s future. The German attacker is an ambitious player and wants to be challenging for major honours in his career so he’s unlikely to be content with mediocrity with the Wolves.
His performance against Gent now has people raving, but also sad that a player of such quality is with a lowly club like Wolfsburg given all the interest that came his way in the past. Could Julian Draxler still be destined for another big-money move?
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