I expected Wolfsburg to do a lot better against Gent by pretty much scoring more goals. Just winning by one goal does not bode too well for them going into the quarter-finals. Yes, Wolfsburg are officially Champions League quarter-finalists. It's most likely as far as they will go, but if they are to miraculously reach the final four, then the Drax will need to be on the pitch. It was he, just like in the first leg, who provided that key touch that lead to Wolfsburg's winning goal.
Hecking and Wolfsburg are still feeling those effects of De Bruyne's departure. He offered so much to the team and his contributions are badly missed as is shown by their league position, which is way down from the second-place they attained last season. But you have to move on and head into pastures anew. Draxler is not De Bruyne, but he offers something completely different, and it's just a matter of Hecking harnessing his quality and making it work for Wolfsburg on a consistent winning basis.
This was a tight game and Gent made it hard for Wolfsburg. So trying to pass their way into an opportunity was just not going to work. In frustratiing games like these, the only way in which to unlock the secret door that leads to the goal is by that individual rising above and changing the course of the game. Not many players in the world have the ability to do this. Draxler is now becoming that kind of player who can be a game-changer. That is a vital asset for any manager.
By Draxler weaving through with the ball on the wing, beating his man and laying the ball into the path for Schurrle to put away, a player who desperately needs the goals, showed the kind of weapon that Hecking has. He is by no means the finished article, and isn't really of the same talent level of Gotze. But let's be real now, whilst Gotze falls in and out of the Bayern team; Draxler is right in the thick of it with Wolfsburg and is pretty much their talisman. He's that player that they all look to when things are get sticky, and they need a smooth operator to wash away the pain.
I will be keeping my eye on Draxler because I like what his game is about. I'm not putting him as one of the best young players in the world, but he's one to watch. The game doesn't have enough dribblers and players who really try and take on their men. So when you see one, it's pleasurable for me and I just hope he keeps on getting better. That is the name of the game. There is always room for improvement and Draxler can be more of a constant threat rather than popping up in a few moments.
How good can he be? If he reaches his full potential, you could possibly see a footballer that Germany has never had. But that is if he reaches his maximum which is no certainty. From the things I have seen him do, I've not really seen many German players do. So consider my interest peaked and we see how he does against what will be much tougher quarter-final opponents. HH
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