Spain Relies on Fabian Ruiz's Brilliance Ahead of Euro 2024 Showdown with Italy

Posted : 19 June 2024

Spain are banking on the "exceptional" Fabian Ruiz to once again be a game-changer as they aim to build on their impressive win over Croatia in their second Euro 2024 match against Italy on Thursday. This clash between the reigning European champions and the three-time winners is the highlight of the tournament's opening round.

Both teams, eager to secure top spot in Group B and a potentially easier path in the knockout stages, are looking to build on their initial victories, with Italy having rallied to beat Albania and Ruiz shining as Spain thrashed Croatia 3-0.

Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Ruiz, 28, was instrumental in the victory over Croatia, setting up Alvaro Morata's opener and scoring a superb goal himself, outshining even Croatia's captain, Luka Modric.

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This performance underscored his importance to Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad, a sharp contrast to his omission from the last World Cup by former coach Luis Enrique. De la Fuente praised Ruiz's exceptional talent and technique, highlighting his crucial role in the team and urging recognition of his quality and imaginative play.

De la Fuente's history with Ruiz dates back to their time with Spain's Under-21 team, where Ruiz starred in their 2019 Under-21 Euros victory. Although he broke into the senior Spain squad around that time and featured in the last Euros, he was not a regular starter and was overlooked by Luis Enrique for the 2022 World Cup.

However, following Spain's early exit and Luis Enrique's departure, De la Fuente recalled Ruiz, recognizing his consistent hard work and contributions away from the spotlight.

Interestingly, Ruiz has thrived this season under Luis Enrique at PSG, finding his stride since his compatriot took over as coach. He ended the season by scoring the winner in the French Cup final and continued his scoring streak in Spain's pre-Euros friendly against Northern Ireland and again against Croatia.

With a challenging match against Italy on the horizon, Ruiz's journey from Betis to Napoli and now PSG, combined with his familiarity with Italian football under coaches like Carlo Ancelotti and Luciano Spalletti, positions him as a key player in Spain's quest to prove their championship credentials.

Spain Relies on Fabian Ruiz's Brilliance Ahead of Euro 2024 Showdown with Italy

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