Fabián Ruiz
Scores in spot start
Ruiz scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 2-1 victory against Belgium.
Analysis: Ruiz found the back of the net midway through the first half after latching on to a rebound following a shot from Dani Olmo. It was Ruiz's first goal of the World Cup, but since he replaced Pedri in midfield due to choice, it remains to be seen whether the PSG playmaker will stay in the XI ahead of the semifinal match against France on Tuesday.
One cross Monday
Ruiz registered one cross (zero accurate) and one clearance in Monday's 1-0 win versus Portugal.
Analysis: Ruiz entered from the bench once again for Spain, having yet to start since the opener. He would only enter with five minutes left in regulation, playing through stoppage time while notching a cross and a clearance. He remains a useful option from the bench, a well-versed midfielder who can control action when asked.
Sees time from bench
Ruiz generated one clearance in Friday's 1-0 victory versus Uruguay.
Analysis: Ruiz would get time from the bench Friday, playing 30 minutes in the center of the pitch. He would earn a chance created and a clearance in his time on the field, also completing 22 passes. However, he has not started since their opener, a player who definitely has enough quality to start in any match moving forward.
Five shots in draw
Ruiz registered five shots (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Ruiz had plenty of attempts at goal Sunday, but he failed to truly threaten Cape Verde's low block. He only put one shot on goal -- an easy save for Vozinha -- despite attempting five shots. He started alongside Pedri and Rodri in midfield and was easily the most advanced on the attack of the three. With Spain's ability to dominate possession, Ruiz should continue to have plenty of opportunities to get into the box, but he'll need to be more clinical or find the extra pass in order to take Spain's attack to the next level.
Third midfield starter
Ruiz has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to be the third starting midfielder alongside Pedri and Rodri in coach De la Fuente's preferred lineup.
Analysis: Ruiz ended a disrupted campaign with PSG, making 20 Ligue 1 appearances and nine Champions League outings for two goals and five assists combined after a knee injury sustained in January kept him sidelined for several months. The midfielder was one of Spain's standout performers at Euro 2024 and brings the ability to contribute goals, assists and intelligent pressing from a box-to-box position that makes him a different and complementary profile alongside the more positional Rodri and technical Pedri. Ruiz heads into the World Cup having had limited minutes this season but with the experience and quality to deliver when it matters most on the biggest stage.
Delivers one assist against PFC
Ruiz assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 loss against Paris FC.
Analysis: Ruiz played a direct creative role in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Paris FC, delivering the cross in the second half that travelled across the area before Bradley Barcola finished at the back post to give his side the lead. The Spanish midfielder showed no ill effects from his recent injury absence and once again displayed his defensive work rate and pressing intensity, recording three tackles and four interceptions. Ruiz ends the Ligue 1 campaign with one goal and four assists across 20 appearances, and his form heading into the UEFA Champions League Final against Arsenal on May 30 will be a significant factor in Luis Enrique's midfield plans.
Provides assist as substitute
Ruiz assisted once to go with three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 loss versus Lyon. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.
Analysis: Ruiz made his first appearance in three months in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Lyon, coming off the bench in the second half after recovering from a knee injury and delivering the assist for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's stoppage-time consolation with a well-placed pass on the edge of the area, while adding two key passes and three crosses. Ruiz had been sidelined since mid-January and his return adds depth to his side's midfield for the final stretch of the title race.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare