`According to a recent report by Diario Madridista, Liverpool have joined the chase to secure the services of Fabian Ruiz from Napoli during the summer transfer window. The same source has also claimed that the Reds will compete with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in pursuit of the Spanish midfielder who wants to leave the Naples-based club at the end of this current campaign.
It is believed that Ruiz’s price-tag of around €80m won’t be a huge stumbling block for Jurgen Klopp as he has already shown in the past that he is willing to invest in strengthening key positions to improve his squad even further (via Diario Madridista).
Ruiz’s Productive Season In Italian Football
The former Real Betis midfield ace has enjoyed another solid season at the San Paolo Stadium. He has continued to be a permanent feature at the heart of the Napoli midfield. The talented midfielder has registered three goals and two assists in 32 matches for the Italian outfit this term across all competitions. The 23-year-old has averaged 2.4 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Serie A (stats via whoscored). However, he needs to be a bit more productive with his contributions going forward.
Defensively, the Spaniard has made an average of 1.7 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 0.5 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). The numbers prove that he can make a significant impact at both ends of the pitch, which explains why so many top European clubs are hoping to sign him this summer.
What Will The Six-Time Spanish International Add To Klopp’s Team?
Ruiz is one of the most accurate distributors of the ball in European football as evidenced by his pass success rate of 90.5% in the Serie A and 88.9% in the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored). He is often the one responsible for building up attacks from midfield which could be why he does not have more assists to show for his efforts. The Spanish playmaker is also a potent goal-threat from long range and can make a few vital interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his side. However, he needs to improve his stamina and build a more robust frame if he wants to succeed at the highest level.
Liverpool have often relied on the work-rate of Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson in midfield to get over the line in some matches this season. However, there is no denying that Klopp can benefit from using a player like Ruiz who will be able to provide some healthy competition for his usual first-team starters and bolster his midfield options significantly at Anfield. He will be an upgrade over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita as he is far more consistent performer on the field.
The Spaniard could add another dimension to the Reds midfield and will also allow Klopp to tweak with his formations and team sheets more often in the coming years. Therefore, it makes sense for Liverpool to break the bank on signing Ruiz this summer so that they have a strong squad capable of challenging for all major trophies in the upcoming campaign.
