When Raul left Real Madrid for Schalke in the summer of 2010, many felt that he was finished. Not considered part of the Spain national set-up, the veteran striker had fallen down the pecking order in Jose Mourinho’s squad, and he was set to wane into the sunset.

Raul, though, rediscovered his form in Germany and began scoring again. The 34-year-old found the target 13 times in 34 appearances in the Bundesliga for Schalke last season, and has continued to score goals this campaign.

On Saturday, Raul netted a hat-trick against Werder Bremen and inspired the Royal Blues to a 5-0 victory at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. The Spanish striker’s contribution was vital as it came against a direct Champions League-qualifying rival.

In fact, after this win Schalke find themselves third in the Bundesliga table with 34 points from 17 matches, level with Borussia Dortmund and just three points behind leaders Bayern Munich.

Whether or not Huub Stevens’ side will be able to sustain their challenge after the winter break remains to be seen, but Raul is certainly going to be a crucial player in Schalke’s season in the second half of 2011-12.