'Raul congratulated me on my recent performances' - Draxler

11-Mar-2013 8:05:00 PM

The Germany youngster says he is still in regular contact with the Spanish legend and is looking forward to facing Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder on Tuesday

Schalke midfielder Julian Draxler has revealed that Real Madrid legend and former team-mate Raul has congratulated him on his recent performances.

The 19-year-old has been in magnificent form so far this season, scoring three goals in his last two games and leading his side to a 2-1 Revierderby triumph over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

"I am still in weekly contact with Raul and he has congratulated me on my recent performances. That makes me really proud," the youngster told reporters at a press conference.

"We would do well to remember our recent successes and take this boost and confidence with us."

Schalke face Galatasaray in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday, and Draxler is looking forward to locking horns with the likes of Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder.

"We know Galatasaray have a great side and signed top players in Drogba and Sneijder. It is great for me as a young player to face such world-class players," he added.

The first-leg encounter finished 1-1 in Istanbul three weeks ago, and although the German side will be missing striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, coach Jens Keller is confident of progression.

"Losing Huntelaar is bad, but complaining will not do any good. We've been in this situation several times this season and can handle it," he stated.

"We must not make the mistake of waiting to see. They [Galatasaray] have great quality in attack, so we will not drop deep and wait."

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