Real Madrid Step Up Their Pursuit Of Spanish Midfield Sensation: Can He Solve Zidane’s Problems? | OneFootball

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The 4th Official

·8 May 2021

Real Madrid Step Up Their Pursuit Of Spanish Midfield Sensation: Can He Solve Zidane’s Problems?

Article image:Real Madrid Step Up Their Pursuit Of Spanish Midfield Sensation: Can He Solve Zidane’s Problems?

According to El Gol Digital, Real Madrid are eying a summer swoop for Fabian Ruiz. It appears the Napoli midfielder has emerged as a top target for Los Blancos, with the club preparing a €45 million move to secure his services. Napoli, though, will be determined to hold on to their €50 million price-tag for Ruiz, who might be keen on returning to his native Spain.

What Does Fabian Ruiz Bring To The Table?

Fabian Ruiz has been one of the success stories at Napoli since joining the club in 2018 for a fee of €30 million. He has become an ever-present figure at the heart of the club’s midfield unit, shining under the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Gennaro Gattuso.


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The midfielder has already made 124 competitive appearances for the Partenopei, notably winning the Italian cup last season while also securing 11 caps for La Roja.

What has made Ruiz such a key component in the Napoli midfield is his technical brilliance. He can effortlessly distribute possession and an excellent passer of the ball even in tight spaces.

As such, the former Real Betis midfielder often shines when it comes to carrying the ball across half-spaces. Ruiz is quite versatile as well and can operate either as an attacking midfield or in a wide midfield role, in addition to his preferred central midfield position – making him a well-rounded individual.

Article image:Real Madrid Step Up Their Pursuit Of Spanish Midfield Sensation: Can He Solve Zidane’s Problems?

Is Fabian Ruiz A Viable Target For Real Madrid?

Real Madrid are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements in the summer as they prepare for life without the likes of Isco and Dani Ceballos while Luka Modric is in the final phase of his career, visibly struggling with fitness due to his game-time.

Federico Valverde has also had issues with injuries, so someone like Fabian Ruiz could be a welcome addition to the team.

As mentioned earlier, the 25-year-old has garnered a lot of experience at the highest level of football, even becoming a key component in the Spanish national team. He has experience of playing in La Liga as well, having made 59 competitive appearances for Real Betis prior to his move to Napoli in 2018.

From a tactical perspective, Ruiz could be an ideal long-term replacement for Modric. He has the attacking tendencies that should provide a nice overall balance in the Real Madrid midfield, alongside the likes of Toni Kroos and Casemiro.

His experience in Spanish and indeed, in international football also makes him a safe option for Los Blancos, although their pursuit of Fabian Ruiz could largely depend on their luck in offloading fringe players like Isco, Ceballos and Gareth Bale this summer.

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