Keller hails Draxler influence

Schalke coach Jens Keller was quick to praise Julian Draxler after his stunning goal secured a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Basel.

Draxler’s sweetly struck second-half strike was enough to claim victory for the German side, and Keller was not surprised by the impact that the 20-year old had on the game.

“(It was an) unbelievable strike from Julian, but he meant to do that, he has the quality to score goals like that,” Keller said.

“The entire team fought bravely and worked hard against the ball. That’s why I think the win was deserved in the end.”

Draxler, who was an injury doubt in the build-up to the trip to Switzerland, could hardly hide his delight at his match-winning performance, but stressed that his side are not yet the finished article.

“The ball ended up with me a bit fortunately after a corner kick and I just decided to take a full strike at it,” the attacking midfielder said.

“We definitely have areas of our game that still need to improve, but we should not complain having just won in Basel.”

Schalke currently sit top of Group E with six points, with their next two games being home and away ties against Chelsea.