According to 12BSports reports, although Rodri received the MVP award after helping Spain win the European Championship in Germany, there is a growing view that the honor should really have gone to Fabian Ruiz. Despite having limited playing time at Paris Saint-Germain last season, Ruiz made a powerful statement at the tournament by recording two goals and two assists, while also playing a major role in Spain’s attacking rhythm and midfield control.
A 12BSports reporter noted that Ruiz not only produced goals and assists against Croatia and Georgia, but also delivered impressive numbers across the competition. He averaged 71 passes per match with a 91.1 percent success rate and completed 12 successful dribbles, the most among midfielders at the Euros. His off-the-ball work was just as important. With 17 ball recoveries, second only to Rodri’s 22, he helped stop opposition attacks and kept Spain’s tempo running smoothly from the middle of the pitch.
His performances were strong enough to catch the attention of Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are currently being linked with Mikel Merino as they look to strengthen midfield, but Ruiz could be a more experienced and reliable option. He is comfortable playing as the left-sided midfielder in a 4-3-3 system and offers consistent value on both sides of the ball. For a team chasing the fine margins needed in a title race, that kind of balance is worth its weight in gold.
In truth, Ruiz proved his value perfectly at the Euros, even though he started only 14 league matches last season. Playing for a possession-heavy side like PSG improved his passing range, while his average of 2.6 tackles per game showed that he can contribute defensively as well. That makes him a natural fit for Arsenal’s system, which places heavy emphasis on pressing from the front and recovering the ball quickly after losing possession.
Arsenal previously brought in Jorginho and Leandro Trossard 18 months ago, and those signings helped the team become more stable against mid-table and lower-table opponents while narrowing the gap with Manchester City in the title race. This summer, the club has already added Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, so the next priority appears likely to be a midfield reinforcement. Since Granit Xhaka’s departure, the attempt to replace him with Kai Havertz has shown clear limitations, and Arteta still needs a player who can solve the left side of midfield.
In that context, Ruiz looks like a perfect missing piece. He is not merely a technical midfielder. He also brings fighting spirit, active movement during defensive transitions, and a willingness to press opponents aggressively. With his balance between attack and defense, game management, and experience, Ruiz could become the final piece of Arsenal’s title-chasing puzzle.
For a player who reads the flow of a match as naturally as water follows its course, the next step may now be a new stage, and 12BSports analysis suggests that Ruiz would fit Arteta’s tactical blueprint almost perfectly if he moved to north London. Beyond that, he could also become a key figure capable of helping Arsenal control midfield battles in the Premier League, where every yard is contested and every decision matters.