Since Spain’s European title triumph at the end of a tournament he dominated with La Roja, PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz, sometimes criticized for his mixed performances with the capital club, has conquered an entire country. Unbridled and unstoppable when he wears the Spanish national team jersey, particularly in his ruthlessness in midfield, the “beating heart of La Roja” has been developing a taste for goal for several weeks. A scorer and decisive passer against Croatia, then against Georgia during the last Euro, Fabian Ruiz once again distinguished himself in his offensive contribution with a double that allowed Spain, reduced to ten after only 20 minutes, to resist Switzerland on Sunday, in the Nations League.
“An exceptional player”
At an exceptional level throughout the match, Fabian Ruiz did everything well beyond his goals to contain the Nati when Spain found themselves with a numerical inferiority. “Fabian is the best in the world in his position. For me, it’s not a surprise,” declared his coach Luis de la Fuente. Very complimentary words that recall those that the Spanish coach had already made at the Euro. “Fabian is an exceptional player of a very high level who, if his name was not Fabian, would certainly make people talk about him. But those of us who live with him, those of us who see him work with fantastic simplicity, and such great footballing potential, know what his value is.”
According to statistician Opta, who collected data from Spain’s matches under Luis de la Fuente, Fabian Ruiz is one of the players most involved in Spain’s goals (8), just behind the attackers, with 4 goals and 4 assists. Only the prodigy Lamine Yamal does better, being directly involved in 11 goals. Fabian Ruiz, who returned late to Paris, has only played bits of matches so far. But the level displayed during the international break makes him a credible candidate for a first start in midfield next Saturday, against Brest, in the absence of Warren Zaire-Emery, who is injured with Les Bleus. Luis Enrique now knows that he will be able to count on a player in top form.
- RMC Sport
