New Delhi: With the German club surprising everyone by featuring in the last eight of the Champions League, here is a look at the players who have made the club a force to be reckoned with.
Manuel Neuer: One of the most exciting goalkeeping prospects in all of Europe, Germany number One and Schalke shot stopper Neuer has all the makings of a super goalkeeper.
A safe bet with rising corners, awareness within the box and great co-ordination with his back four, no wonder every top club is vying for his signature. Only 24, Neuer ha already featured in the FIFA World Cup 2010 and impressed many with his technique and now is a regular in the Schalke team.
Cristoph Metzelder: The wiry German is the heart and soul of the Schalke defensive line-up and has been responsible for their sturdy displays and three clean sheets in the Champions League.
The ex-Real Madrid centreback has given the club many a clean sheet and along with keeper Neuer is responsible for things tight at the back. With Schalke's emphasis on attacking on the counter-offensive it is very imperative that some one like a Metzelder is there to cope with the oppositions's bombardment.
Jefferson Farfann: THe Peruvian has been at the heart of all things positive for Schalke. After turning in average performances for the club in the recent past, the hitman has turned a corner and put in one of the most performances ever.
His two goals against Valencia in the return leg of the last 16 of the Champions League with two goals of the highest quality. His combination with Spanish legend Raul has been highly productive. With Raul's unprecedented experience combined with the darting runs and the ability to skin the full back of Farfann, this striking duo might just give the Inter pairing of Chivu and Lucio a handful.
Raul Gonazalez: Enough and more has been said and will be said about the legendary Spanish striker. Touted as the original 'Madrista', the ex-Real legend shocked the world when he decided to leave the Los Blancos for a different challenge at such an age.
But he has proved that it is the mental easily triumphs over physical reluctance. In a time where veterans like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Jens Lehmann and Edwin Van der Sar have turned the clocks back on the career, and have reached their best form ever Raul has joined the pantheon of these footballing legends. Still incisive with his first touch and stellar finishing, the Spaniard has been banging goals in at will and has been a potent weapon for Schalke's attack.
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