Q&A With Dutch International And FC Schalke 04 Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been a key member of the attack wherever he has played, suiting up for some of the biggest clubs in the world - Ajax, Real Madrid, Milan.

Huntelaar, who is currently in his sixth season with German Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04, is stateside this week for the Florida Cup, where his club recently faced off against the NASL’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers. After the match, Matthew Levine of NASL.com spoke to the Dutch international about playing with former Cosmos forward Raúl and his impressions of the Strikers.

Levine: You’ve played with Raúl, who played in the NASL with the New York Cosmos last season, and with you both being forwards, what did you learn from him?

Huntelaar: He’s a quality player. I played with him in Madrid and afterwards Schalke. He’s a smart player, he knows where he can score goals, especially on the back of defenders. He controlled the ball very well and he also works with his body very well to put it between the defender and the ball, and I think that’s the most special things.

Levine: Did you get a chance to watch any of his matches while he was in New York?

Huntelaar: I saw some shots from the game, but I didn’t get to see any full games.

Levine: You played against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who are just starting preseason, but what did you see from them and their level playing against you in the Florida Cup?

Huntelaar: They put everything into the game – with tackles, with passion. It wasn’t easy because we put pressure on them and they needed to send it long and try to win the second ball. I think they have quality and if they play on like this, they’ll have a nice season.

Levine: You’ve now played against the Strikers and have seen highlights of Raúl with the Cosmos, is there anything else you know about the NASL?

Huntelaar: I know Raúl played with the Cosmos, and I know in Fort Lauderdale a Dutch player was in the goal, Jan van Beveren, but that was a long time ago. Of course there was Gerd Müller.

Levine: You’ve spent several seasons with Schalke, what are some of your best moments for the club? What have been some of your best moments in your career?

Huntelaar: The best moments are the tournaments with the national team. It’s the highest level in the world and all the world is watching, 2010 and 2014 was the best. With Schalke, every time we play in the Champions League to play against the best teams is nice, so that’s always the best.