SOCHI, Russia (AP) The youngest captain to lead Germany into a tournament in 105 years, Julian Draxler has effortlessly taken on the task of mentoring an inexperienced squad.
All while displaying the versatility linking up attacks that has helped to steer Germany into the Confederations Cup semifinals.
If Germany coach Joachim Loew learns one thing from the World Cup dress rehearsal, it’s that the 23-year-old Draxler is a strong contender to one day assume the armband from injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
”The way he is coordinating the young team is very good,” Loew said Wednesday. ”He is turning into a personality who is in a position to assume responsibilities.