Having picked up just 27 points from 29 league games this season, Stoke City are not in a comfortable position in the points table but are just a point off safety and a strong finish to the season can see them end the campaign closer to the top half of the table.
Paul Lambert, who was appointed recently at Bet365, is not only trying to turn things around at the club but is confident enough to plan for the future. He is already looking at players who can improve the squad in the upcoming campaign and one name constantly doing the rounds is Spanish ace, Fabian Ruiz.
Also wanted by the likes of West Ham United, Everton and Italian giants Lazio, Ruiz is one of the most exciting midfielders on show in Spain at the moment and was in terrific form, playing for Elche on loan from Real Betis last season, but failed to keep them in the top flight.
Having risen through the academy at Benito Villamarin, Ruiz was a part of the squad that won the Segunda Division in the 2014-15 season and has managed to establish himself in the senior squad quickly. He made 12 appearances in the top flight next season but was sent out on loan to Elche after just four appearances for his parent club in the 2016-17 season.
He is back at Betis now and has cemented a place in the first team, picking up two goals and five assists in 19 La Liga starts this season. He has also represented Spain in the U21 level on three separate occasions and is highly regarded in the domestic circuit in Spain.
Capable of playing in a holding role, Ruiz is more suited in a central midfield role, where he can control the game. He is an excellent dribbler and has a great vision that allows him to create chances galore. He can test the keeper from distance but is adept at dribbling past opponents and setting up his teammates on goal.
At just 21, he has already made a name for himself and is a star for the future. He did sign a new deal at Betis just last month but still only has a release clause of £27m, which does justice to his potential.
Stoke City have the likes of Joe Allen, Darren Fletcher, Badou Ndiaye, Geoff Cameroon and even Charlie Adam who play in a similar role. Ruiz may not be a real upgrade on those names but lends a different dimension to Stoke’s midfield, that has been missing this season.
At £27m, he is slightly expensive for the Potters but do you think he is the right man for the side?
