Fabián Ruiz

Analysis: Ruiz had plenty of attempts at goal Sunday, but he failed to truly threaten Cape Verde's low block. He only put one shot on goal -- an easy save for Vozinha -- despite attempting five shots. He started alongside Pedri and Rodri in midfield and was easily the most advanced on the attack of the three. With Spain's ability to dominate possession, Ruiz should continue to have plenty of opportunities to get into the box, but he'll need to be more clinical or find the extra pass in order to take Spain's attack to the next level.

Jun 4, 2026

Third midfield starter

Ruiz has been named in Spain's World Cup squad and is expected to be the third starting midfielder alongside Pedri and Rodri in coach De la Fuente's preferred lineup.

Analysis: Ruiz ended a disrupted campaign with PSG, making 20 Ligue 1 appearances and nine Champions League outings for two goals and five assists combined after a knee injury sustained in January kept him sidelined for several months. The midfielder was one of Spain's standout performers at Euro 2024 and brings the ability to contribute goals, assists and intelligent pressing from a box-to-box position that makes him a different and complementary profile alongside the more positional Rodri and technical Pedri. Ruiz heads into the World Cup having had limited minutes this season but with the experience and quality to deliver when it matters most on the biggest stage.

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Fabián Ruiz

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