Why Soccer Player Julian Draxler Is In High Demand

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Draxler - Players to Watch

Full Name: Julian Draxler
Club: FC Schalke 04
Country: Germany
DOB: 20 September 1993 (age 20)
Height: 6’ 1”

There are few talents currently in the game like Julian Draxler. The Schalke 04 winger has been a shining light since his debut in 2011, scoring 26 goals in 133 competitive games to date. His ability to attack has seen him placed in a more central attacking position from time to time, but it is his ability to dribble very fluidly and gracefully with the ball that makes him more of a nuisance out wide.

Draxler almost immediately became a first-team regular after his debut and just 18 months later, he was one of two uncapped players named in Germany's provisional squad for Euro 2012. That in itself was a huge accomplishment and showed the faith placed in his raw talent. From the moment Joachim Low called up Draxler, he has been on the radar of most of Europe's top clubs, and his progress has continued at a high pace.

Something that really sets Draxler apart is how naturally he uses both feet. Whether on his right or his left, he has a very similar ability and enables him to display intelligence on the ball. As a winger, that is a vital attribute and allows Draxler to be dangerous whether he sprints down the line or drops his shoulder to cut inside and strike on goal.

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Julian Draxler in training

Did you know? When he made his Schalke debut vs Hamburg , he was 17 years and 117 days old, becoming Schalke's youngest-ever senior player.

If you are a fan of Arsenal FC, you have probably heard the name Julian Draxler plenty of times over the past few months. During the January transfer window, he was in hot demand and rumors were rife that he was set to move to Highbury. The deal never transpired and now the 20-year-old has his focus set on winning a spot in the German squad at this summer’s World Cup. Rumors continue to transpire, and Schalke may be powerless to prevent Draxler departing in the summer as it was confirmed his release clause will be reactivated in the summer, set at €45.5million.

Currently wears:  adidas Predator LZ

Since making his Schalke debut, Draxler has consistently worn adidas boots. He kicked things off with the original adidas F50 adiZero before moving to the second generation edition in early 2012. It seemed to be a very natural choice, with the speed boot offering him a lightweight package and plenty of acceleration when needed most. Most attacking style players that wear adidas boots drift toward the F50 range and they have been a proven performer.

But then came the release of the adidas Predator LZ in April 2012, and Draxler became one of the first players to wear the hybrid control range. He continues to wear the range today, with the combination of several lethal zones offering him a controlled level of performance. The real talking point of the current version is its lightweight nature; ensuring pacey players can make the most of each zone in different types of situations. Given he is more of an attacking force coming from behind the front line, there are several other boots that would be suggested options, but he looks pretty comfortable in the Predator LZ right now!

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