 Born in Waldbröl, Schlaudraff started playing professionally for Borussia Mönchengladbach, mainly as a midfielder.During two and a half seasons he managed only ten first division appearances, the first being on 19 February 2003, as he played one minute in a 2–0 home win over VfL Wolfsburg.Schlaudraff transferred to Alemannia Aachen in January 2005, eventually becoming a striker once more – and being named team captain.