Ex-Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville reunites on-air with Elland Road scout at World Cup | OneFootball

An on-air reunion between former Leeds United scout Gaby Ruiz and ex-Leeds winger Crysencio Summerville followed the Netherlands’ World Cup opener, moments after he scored against Japan. Ronald Koeman had given the winger his first senior call-up for the tournament.

Ruiz was head of European recruitment at Leeds from 2017, having previously worked with Victor Orta at Middlesbrough and Elche. They left in 2023 after Javi Gracia’s sacking and relegation to the Championship.

Ruiz later linked up with Orta at Sevilla and is part of his staff at Real Valladolid. He works for DAZN, whose World Cup coverage reunited him with Summerville.

Summerville joined from Feyenoord in 2020 for around £1.5m, waited as an 18-year-old, then became a regular under Daniel Farke during Leeds’ promotion push. He won individual honours in 2023/24 with 21 goals and 10 assists, then after the Wembley play-off final a release clause saw West Ham United pay around £28m.

On air, Ruiz asked if Summerville remembered him, expressed his happiness, recalled saying he would play at a World Cup, and offered heartfelt congratulations.

"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 told DAZN.

Ruiz then predicted a Netherlands win over Sweden. At club level his future is uncertain after West Ham’s relegation, and his World Cup form is likely to attract bids that could test their resolve this summer.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk