Spain is hoping that the “exceptional” Fabian Ruiz can again be the difference-maker when the team looks to build on an impressive win against Croatia in its second Euro 2024 outing against Italy on Thursday.
The meeting between the reigning European champions and the three-time winners of the competition in Gelsenkirchen is the standout tie of the opening round at the tournament.
Top spot in Group B, and a theoretically easier last-16 draw, is at stake as the two sides aim to build on victories in their opening matches.
Italy came from behind to beat Albania, while Ruiz was outstanding as Spain thumped 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia 3-0.
Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Ruiz, 28, set up the opener for Alvaro Morata and scored with a classy finish as he outshone all those around him, including Croatia captain Luka Modric.
That game confirmed the importance to Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team of a player who was not taken to the last World Cup by former coach Luis Enrique.
Fabian Ruiz was described by De la Fuente as an exceptional player, considered to be at the top level.
De la Fuente believed that if Fabian had a different name, he might have received more attention. Based on daily observations, Fabian consistently demonstrated fantastic abilities and brilliant technique, contributing significantly to the team.
According to him, Fabian’s quality and imagination were noteworthy and deserved recognition.
Back in From the Cold
De la Fuente’s relationship with Ruiz goes back to when he was coach of Spain’s Under-21 team – Ruiz was the star player when they won the Under-21 Euros in 2019.
It was around that time that the former Betis man broke into the full Spain squad, and he featured in Luis Enrique’s team at the last Euros, when they went out to Italy in the semi-finals.
Yet he was not a starter, and Luis Enrique did not pick him again, meaning he was out in the cold by the time the 2022 World Cup came around.
But Spain’s exit in the last 16 to Morocco led to Luis Enrique departing and De la Fuente taking over, and the new coach quickly recalled Ruiz.
De la Fuente had been with Fabian Ruiz since he was very young, observing his incredible pathway at both club and international levels.
He noted that Fabian embodied the players who worked hard in the shadows, often without the media circus surrounding them.
It is true that Rodri, widely considered as the world’s best holding midfielder, gets more attention in the Spanish team.
But Ruiz is a supremely gifted player in his prime, and a key part of a side that is now more direct than under Luis Enrique, when their game was primarily centered on controlling possession.
Flourishing at PSG
Ironically, Ruiz flourished this season under Luis Enrique, now his coach at PSG.
He joined PSG from Napoli in 2022, but has only really settled in France since his compatriot became coach last year.
Ruiz ended the season at PSG by scoring the winner in the French Cup final against Lyon.
He was on target again in Spain’s last pre-Euros friendly against Northern Ireland, before once more finding the net against Croatia.
“It’s important to start with a win in the tournament, especially against a strong Croatia team,” Ruiz said after that game.
Next comes Italy, as the nations meet at a fifth consecutive European Championship.
Ruiz comes from the same tomato-producing town near Seville as 2010 World Cup-winner Jesus Navas and Barcelona star Gavi.
Having emerged at Betis, he moved to Italy with Napoli in 2018 and spent four seasons in Serie A.
There, he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Gennaro Gattuso as well as Luciano Spalletti, who will be on the Italy bench on Thursday.
Coming into the Euros, Spain was widely seen as sitting just behind the leading favorites to win the competition.
This is therefore a big test of their credentials.
With AFP
