Holtby raises hand for Raul role

Schalke’s Lewis Holtby said he would happily fill the role of number 10 at the Bundesliga club, one that was famously filled by Raul.

Real Madrid legend Raul ended his two-year stay at the Veltins Arena this off-season to move to Al Sadd, and the Germany Under-21 captain Holtby has been touted as a potential replacement.

“He is one of the greatest footballers of all time and he was a really important figure for the club,” Holtby told Bundesliga.com.

“He scored and set up a lot of goals for us, but now we have to look for a new forward. We have a new, young, team that wants to win trophies.

“On a personal level I’m desperate to try and emulate what he’s achieved, but it’s not easy. I’ve spoken with the coach and it’s an option for me to play there because my running skills are perfect for that position, but let’s wait and see.”

Looking ahead to the new season, Holtby urged his team-mates to showcase their best form in order to break the Bayern Munich-Borussia Dortmund duopoly that has dominated the Bundesliga in recent seasons.

“The first thing I’d say is that the whole team has to stay fit for the entire season,” he said.

“The other point is that we have to win the big games against Bayern, Dortmund, Leverkusen and whoever else.

“We have to stay in top form, especially with the Champions League to think about too. I think that’s a recipe for winning titles.”

Schalke finished in third place in the Bundesliga last season, 17 points behind champions Borussia Dortmund.