How Fabian Ruiz is handling his Spain demotion at the World Cup | OneFootball

Fabian Ruiz, a Spain starter for the past two years, has lost his place since the 0-0 draw with Cape Verde, yet the PSG midfielder appears unfazed as La Roja face Belgium in Friday's World Cup quarter-final.

He began only the opener against Cape Verde. Since then he has played 20 minutes against Saudi Arabia in a 4-0 win and 30 against Uruguay in a 1-0 victory, before late cameos in the 89th minute against Austria and the 85th against Portugal.

Ruiz had been set to reprise with Rodri and Pedri the trio that won Euro 2024 in Germany. After the stalemate, Luis de la Fuente reshaped the side, using Dani Olmo behind the striker and dropping Pedri deeper.

De la Fuente spoke of a close, long-standing trust with Ruiz and stressed his importance whether he starts or not. He also underlined the decisive role of substitutes at the Euros and the assurance offered by Ruiz, Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi.

"Sometimes we joke with the boss and a few team-mates that they should pick me even if I am injured," he told EFE, referencing his 47-cap unbeaten run.

"It is not important who plays, the important thing is that we support each other," he told the Guardian. He had missed Qatar under Luis Enrique and then endured a knee injury that brought uncertainty and daily pain before recovery restored calm.

He has projected that calm in camp at Chattanooga, even trying a few minutes in goal during training. He also knows the hero can emerge from the bench, as Merino proved against Portugal after coming on alongside Ruiz in the 85th minute.

Source: L'Équipe