Mulder: Huntelaar suited to Schalke

Former Schalke striker Youri Mulder doubts Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has what it takes to excel at a ‘big club’.

Huntelaar has netted 19 times in 23 Bundesliga appearances so far this season for Schalke.

His impressive form has reportedly attracted the attention of a number of top European sides, with Manchester United said to be particularly keen on signing the Dutchman.

However, in light of Huntelaar’s unsuccessful spells at Real Madrid and AC Milan, Mulder believes the Netherlands international should stay put.

“I advise him to extend (his contract) at Schalke,” Mulder told SPOX.com.

“Perhaps he dreams of playing in England, but Schalke are the right club for him.”

“The club have potential and an environment in which Huntelaar feels at home. This is evident in his performances: he needs to feel at home in order to show his quality.”

“I don’t know whether he is suitable for a top club. At Schalke he can show exactly what makes him strong.”

“Sitting in the box, like a predator lurking at the chance to create a goal from nothing. In the penalty box, he is one of the best.”

“But at an absolute top club, something else is expected of a striker: a lot of running, and sprinting. Huntelaar, on the other hand, is lacking some speed.”

“The fact is that he failed at Real Madrid and AC Milan; at Schalke, he made it. After his adventures in Spain and Italy, he should appreciate what Schalke have done for him.”

Mulder said he would like to see Huntelaar joined in Gelsenkirchen by compatriot Luuk de Jong, who is generating interest due to his impressive goal-scoring exploits with Twente in the Eredivisie.

“I know that Schalke have been scouting him (De Jong) closely,” Mulder said.

Mulder, who was born in Belgium but capped nine times by the Netherlands, spent nine years with Schalke between 1993 and 2002.