Why Euros hero Ruiz has emerged as a midfield target for Arsenal
To some, Rodri's player of the tournament award at Euro 2024 was undeserved. That's not to belittle the Spaniard's impact for La Roja on their way to a record-setting fourth European Championship but rather a midfield teammate would have been a more deserving winner of the accolade. Fabian Ruiz may have struggled for game time with PSG last season yet was one of Spain's stars in their Euros triumph.
A WhoScored rating of 7.58 was among the best at the tournament, and enough for Ruiz to make the competition's best XI. Not only did the 28-year-old offer plenty in the final third, scoring twice and providing two assists in wins over Croatia and Georgia, but he was instrumental in keeping play ticking over for Luis de la Fuente's side.
A 91.1% pass success rate from 71 passes per 90 was a notable achievement, so too was a return of 12 successful dribbles, that more than any other central midfielder and ninth overall. Ruiz wasn't necessarily a driving force in the middle of the park, however his distribution combined with opponents' inability to rob the 28-year-old of possession helped Spain control proceedings in a key area.
What additionally stood out was Ruiz's hard work off the ball. Indeed, only Rodri (22) win possession in the midfield third more times than Ruiz (17) and Euro 2024. The latter did so at least seven more times (14) in the attacking third. The fine Euros performances haven't gone unnoticed either.
Ruiz started just 14 league matches for PSG in their title winning 2023/24 season yet De la Fuente saw enough to be convinced that the midfielder should be one of the first names on the team sheet and the form in Germany has reportedly caught the eye of Arsenal. It's no secret that the Gunners are in the market for another central midfielder this summer and have been linked with a move for compatriot Mikel Merino.
Ruiz, though, could prove a solid experienced capture that Arsenal under Arteta are renowned for. 18 months ago the north London side secured the services of Jorginho and Leandro Trossard from Chelsea and Brighton, respectively. The addition of the pair came close to proving a masterstroke as Arsenal ran Manchester City close in the title race. While they fell short, Arteta's side have since closed the gap on Pep Guardiola's side and will certainly fancy their chances of knocking City off their perch in the coming campaign.
As the club wrap up the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, attention will quickly turn to adding a new central midfielder, and perhaps specifically one to operate on the left side in the favoured 4-3-3 setup. While Arteta may look to land a player who can play as both the midfield anchor and on the left of the midfield three, which explains links with a move for Merino, Ruiz offers that hard work off the ball and has the much-improved distribution by comparison.
Of course playing for a side that dominates as PSG do means Ruiz would outshine Merino on the passing front, but perhaps the surprise comes in the desire to win the ball back for his side. The former after all managed 2.6 tackles per 90, suggesting that if needs must; Ruiz can shield the defence in the middle of the park.
This hard work off the ball is vital for an Arsenal side that does press high up the pitch. Only City (285) won possession in the attacking third more times than Arsenal (253) in the Premier League last season, and while Ruiz doesn't give the impression of a player who'll look to get stuck in; he showcased this battling side to his game at the Euros, proving to be Spain's star midfielder in the process.
In truth; he could be a great fit on the left side of midfield as a successor for Granit Xhaka. Arsenal attempted to replace the Swiss with the signing of Kai Havertz but the German struggled until moved up front. Given Thomas Partey and Jorginho's advancing years, the chance to land Ruiz is one that club shouldn't pass up.
