Metzelder calls for van der Vaart signing

Defender Christoph Metzelder has urged Schalke to make a move for Tottenham attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

Real Madrid legend Raul enjoyed a successful two-year spell at the Veltins Arena before departing for Qatari club Al Sadd, leaving a hole in his team’s front line.

Dutchman van der Vaart has been linked with a move to Schalke in recent weeks, and although Metzelder admitted the club are more likely to promote their youth players, he said he would like to see the Spurs man join him.

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

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

Schalke made it to the Champions League semi-finals two years ago, and qualified directly for the group stage for the upcoming season, but Metzelder admits Raul’s departure could have a negative effect.

“Two years ago, making the semi-finals was insanely fun. We want to build on that. But we’ll have to see how we compensate for Raul leaving,” he said.

Metzelder made 47 appearances for Germany, and the 31-year-old said he feels his compatriots are capable of winning Euro 2012.

“I believe that Germany have the necessary qualities to win the title this year,” he said. “In our country there would certainly be a warm welcome for them.

“In 2002, Benni (Benedikt Howedes) would have worn my (replica) jersey. Right now, it’s the other way around.”