On the eve of Spain's last-32 World Cup match against Austria, midfielder Fabián Ruiz declared himself fully fit after a challenging period recovering from injury. Speaking at the team's base in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain star stressed that internal team spirit remains strong despite external doubts about Spain's form.
Injury Recovery and Form
Ruiz, who missed much of the season through a long-term injury, admitted it was difficult to regain his pace and rhythm. “It has been hard to get my pace and rhythm back, but I am 100% now,” he said. “I struggled with that, but by the time I got here, I had played various games in a row for PSG at the highest level without having to stop. The injury has been forgotten.”
Spain's opening to the tournament was overshadowed by the fitness of 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who had been out since April. All four of Spain's wingers have faced injury problems, impacting the team's identity under coach Luis de la Fuente. Ruiz's own role has been uncertain: he started only the opener against Cape Verde, with Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino taking his place in subsequent games.
Team Unity Over Individual Selection
Despite the rotation, Ruiz dismissed any notion of internal conflict. “From the outside I don’t know how people look at it. On the inside we see it as something that’s totally natural,” he said. “We know that any of the central midfielders can play. We can play together or separately, it doesn’t matter. It’s not important who plays, it’s important that we support each other.”
De la Fuente has claimed Spain have “the six best midfielders in the world,” but the challenge is finding the right combination. Ruiz, Pedri, Rodri, Olmo, Merino, and others compete for spots. Ruiz noted that the team's idea remains the same regardless of personnel: “We have different characteristics, but at a collective level the idea is the same.”
Leadership and Personal Background
With former captains Álvaro Morata and Dani Carvajal no longer in the squad, Ruiz highlighted new leaders. “Rodri, the first captain. Unai Simón. Mikel Oyarzabal, who seems shy, but he is someone you listen to, someone who is imposing when he talks because he always has the right opinion. Aymeric Laporte, too.”
Ruiz, a three-time European champion (Euro 2024 and two Champions Leagues with PSG), remains humble about his own role. “I’ve always said I am reserved. I am not someone who much likes to show his face in public, to speak much, but within the group I always give my little bit to help my teammates, especially the younger ones,” he said.
Raised in the small town of Los Palacios y Villafranca by his mother Chari Peña, a cleaner at Betis’ training ground, Ruiz credits her for his success. “Everything he achieves is for her,” the article notes. His quiet determination and focus on collective success define his approach as Spain prepare to face Austria.
