Rafael Van der Vaart, Netherlands

Christoph Metzelder believes that Rafael Van der Vaart could be an ideal replacement for Raul

Schalke star Christoph Metzelder believes that Rafael Van der Vaart would be an excellent replacement for departing striker Raul.

The Real Madrid legend moved to Qatari side Al Sadd for the 2012-13 season and the Spurs playmaker, who has been linked with a move to Germany, could be seen as an ideal replacement, although the German club could promote from within.

“After the departure of Raul, Van der Vaart would certainly be a top replacement,” Metzelder told Bild.

“But I think we are more likely to rely on an internal solution. Julian Draxler is one of the candidates, I think.”