According to a recent report by Diario AS, Barcelona are looking to replace Ivan Rakitic and have identified Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz as a potential candidate to bolster their midfield. However, the same source has also claimed that the Catalan outfit will face stiff competition from their arch-rivals, Real Madrid if they decide to pursue the Spanish playmaker.
Ruiz’s Impressive Spell In Italian Football
The 23-year-old has made a strong start to this campaign after putting in a few impressive displays as part of Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield. He has scored one goal and grabbed two assists in 11 league matches so far.
The Spaniard is averaging 2.6 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per match in the Serie A. On the defensive end, Ruiz has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 0.5 clearances per game in the Italian top-flight this term (stats via whoscored).
The former Real Betis has garnered a lot of praise for his incredible contributions at Naples which has also raised his stock in European football. He has also secured five international caps for the Spanish national side but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his homeland.
What Are The Spanish Rising Star’s Best Attributes?
Ruiz is a complete midfielder as he can do a bit of everything at the centre of the park. The Spaniard can be an ideal defensive lynchpin inside his own half and can make some vital interceptions for his side. He is also an excellent distributor of the ball and can even score an occasional goal from long range.
Recruiting Ruiz: Wise Move For The Spanish Champions?
Barca would do well to lure a player of Ruiz’s ilk to the Nou Camp, but he won’t come cheap. The Spanish international’s contract at the San Paolo Stadium runs until the summer of 2023, so Ancelotti will be under no pressure to sell him.
However, the possibility of playing for a club like Barcelona might be too good for the player to turn down. It could prove to be a shrewd move for Ernesto Valverde if he can manage to grind out a deal to bring Ruiz back to Spain. He is an exceptional midfielder who will add a lot of quality to the Barca midfield. The Spaniard has even got the potential to become a club legend at the Nou Camp if he decides to move and commit his long-term future to the Catalan giants.
