The gloomy days of Julen Lopetegui led to mediocrity last season at Santiago Bernabeu. But the reappointment of Zinedine Zidane has restored pride and Real Madrid, aiming to conquer the Spanish title, secured a victory over Barcelona to go top in the La Liga standings.
Although Los Blancos have an array of emerging prospects flourishing in the first-team set-up, the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are struggling to exhibit their masterclass week in week out. Modric, in particular, is nearing his mid-thirties, and therefore, needs to be replaced with a worthy alternative.
The Madrid giants, however, are already in the hunt for a central midfielder and have identified Napoli ace, Fabian Ruiz for a potential summer swoop, according to Mundo Deportivo. He is valued at around £60m and has stalled on a new contract (to extend his stay beyond 2023) due to the inclusion of a £156m release clause.
The 23-year-old Spaniard left Betis for Naples in the summer of 2018 and soon settled in the middle of the park showcasing his ability to dominate possession, ball control, and the expertise of carrying it out from the deep to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. The upsurge earned him his maiden international cap last year against the Faroe Islands and the player, pivotal in Gli Azzurri midfield, is tipped to play a key role for Spain in the upcoming European Championship.
What Fabian Ruiz Would Bring To Real Madrid’s Midfield?
Ruiz is regarded as a manager’s player who could be moulded based on demand and requirements. His proficiency in orchestrating the show from a deep-lying role is noteworthy. Also, the competence of featuring in both the base and the tip of a midfield diamond offers flexibility to the team he plays for. Ruiz’s footwork, dribbling and vision validate his all-around ability which, in due course, should see him succeed in the Spanish capital if a move materialises within the next few months.
Why He Might Have To Wait A While For The Starting Role
Despite his excellence and mastery in midfield, Real have quite a few candidates who are irreplaceable following their resurgence under the iconic Frenchman. The experience of Kroos, the resolve of Casemiro and the brilliance of 21-year-old Federico Valverde have formed a formidable force in the centre of the pitch. A player of Modric’s stature has lost his starting role and Ruiz, therefore, must impress the gaffer enough to claim a first-team status ahead of these established individuals.
