Rodgers takes on Euro trip to watch highly-rated Draxler star against Basle
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Brendan Rodgers flew to Germany on
Wednesday night to watch Julian Draxler star for Schalke in their
Champions League victory against Basle.
The Germany midfielder is drawing interest from clubs across Europe and the 20-year-old, who plays in the No 10 role, is a long-term target at Anfield.
Although Steven Gerrard is having an excellent season in the heart of the Liverpool midfield, Rodgers says he sees Gerrard, now 33, dropping into defence as he gets older, with Draxler a potential successor to the England captain.
Draxler, who burst on to the scene at
Schalke at just 17, scored to send the German club into the knockout
stages of the Champions League.
Basle needed only a draw to progress but Draxler starred, picking up the man of the match award before being taken off after 66 minutes because of a groin injury.
Liverpool will face a fight to sign the highly-rated youngster, with Chelsea and Arsenal leading the charge for the playmaker.
Kevin de Bruyne, who increasingly finds himself frozen out by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, could be used in a swap deal for Draxler.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Draxler, but last month the player said he needed regular first team football ahead of the World Cup, which could open the door further for a move to Anfield.
The Germany midfielder is drawing interest from clubs across Europe and the 20-year-old, who plays in the No 10 role, is a long-term target at Anfield.
Although Steven Gerrard is having an excellent season in the heart of the Liverpool midfield, Rodgers says he sees Gerrard, now 33, dropping into defence as he gets older, with Draxler a potential successor to the England captain.
Wanted man: Schalke playmaker Julian Draxler is
the target of numerous clubs across Europe - he was watched by Brendan
Rodgerslast night
Successor: The 20-year-old is seen as a replacement for ageing star Steven Gerrard
Scouting mission: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers flew to Germany to watch Draxler star against Basel
JULIAN DRAXLER FACTFILE
Born: Gladbeck, Germany
Date of Birth: September 20, 1993
Age: 20
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Schalke 04
Club appearances: 132
Club goals: 26
International apps (Germany): 10
Int'l goals: 3
Date of Birth: September 20, 1993
Age: 20
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Schalke 04
Club appearances: 132
Club goals: 26
International apps (Germany): 10
Int'l goals: 3
Basle needed only a draw to progress but Draxler starred, picking up the man of the match award before being taken off after 66 minutes because of a groin injury.
Liverpool will face a fight to sign the highly-rated youngster, with Chelsea and Arsenal leading the charge for the playmaker.
Kevin de Bruyne, who increasingly finds himself frozen out by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, could be used in a swap deal for Draxler.
Arsenal have long been admirers of Draxler, but last month the player said he needed regular first team football ahead of the World Cup, which could open the door further for a move to Anfield.
On target: Draxler scored against FC Basle to send Schalke into the knockout stages of the Champions League
Makeweight? Chelsea are also interested in Draxler, with Kevin de Bruyne mooted in a possible exchange
World Cup star: Draxler is hoping to make a big impression with the German national team in Brazil
Apperance: Draxler came on as a substitute against England at Wembley
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