Crysencio Summerville reunites on air with ex-Leeds scout Gaby Ruiz after World Cup goal | OneFootball

A former Leeds United scout and a player he helped sign were reunited on air after the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan.

Gaby Ruiz became Leeds’ head of European recruitment in 2017 after working with Victor Orta at Middlesbrough and Elche. The pair left Elland Road in 2023 following Javi Gracia’s sacking and relegation.

Ruiz helped sign Crysencio Summerville from Feyenoord in 2020 for about £1.5m. He waited as an 18-year-old, then became a regular under Daniel Farke with 21 goals and 10 assists in 2023/24. After the play-off final loss at Wembley, West Ham United triggered a release clause for around £28m.

Ronald Koeman handed Summerville his first senior call-up for the World Cup squad and the winger scored in the opener. Ruiz congratulated him on air and said he had told him he would one day play at a World Cup.

"Thank you Gaby. I'm always thankful and grateful for your vision to see me, to trust my ability and in my talent. I want to thank you and Victor [Orta] a lot," he said, speaking to DAZN.

Ruiz signed off with further encouragement, tipping the Netherlands to beat Sweden next. Summerville’s future is uncertain after West Ham’s relegation, and his World Cup could invite bids that test the club’s resolve this summer.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk