Who is Abel Ruiz? The former Barca youngster impressing at Braga

Not every player is deemed good enough to make the great at Barcelona.

Famed youth academy La Masia produces so many fine young footballers that the competition to eventually feature in the first team is fierce.

There are plenty of players out there, Dani Olmo for example, who have made the decision to leave Barcelona due to a perceived lack of opportunities only to flourish elsewhere.

Another player on the path to success is Abel Ruiz, plying his trade in Portugal with Braga.

What position does Abel Ruiz play?

Ruiz plays as a centre-forward.

How good is Abel Ruiz?

Back in 2017, Abel Ruiz was asked by Spanish publication Sport which famous player he plays like.

Ruiz would go on to say that he has been told he plays like a certain Marco van Basten, while he emulates Robert Lewandowski.

"They've told me many times that I'm like Van Basten (in style) and I've seen his videos and he was a very good player.

"I'm a player with good finishing, quite direct, I bear the ball well with my back to goal. I consider myself a complete forward. I'm focused on Lewandowski, for me he's the most complete forward there is."

Though Ruiz is very, very far away from meeting the heights of those two particular players, it gives you an idea of the kind of player he likes to mould himself after.

He does possess a quick burst of pace, but also has physicality which allows him to battle for the ball up top.

Ruiz described himself as a good finisher above, and although that may be the case it hasn't totally translated into a flurry of goals as of yet.

In January of 2020 he completed a loan move to Braga with the obligation to buy from Barcelona.

Since then, he has scored just six times in the league, in 40 appearances.

Patience is required with the 21-year-old, but there is certainly talent there.

What clubs are interested in Abel Ruiz?

Ruiz's immediate future appears to be with Braga, but Barcelona have the option to sign him back for €40 million should they wish, though that seems very unlikely given the Blaugrana's financial situation.

How old is Abel Ruiz?

Ruiz was born on 28 January 2000. He is 21.

What is Abel Ruiz's height?

Ruiz is 180cm, or 5ft 11in.

What is Abel Ruiz’s weight?

Ruiz is 76 kilograms, or nearly 12 stone.

When does Abel Ruiz’s contract expire?

Ruiz has a contract with Braga until 2025.

Who is Abel Ruiz's girlfriend?

Ruiz is in a relationship with Andrea Pericas.

What is Abel Ruiz’s Instagram?

Ruiz's Instagram has 102k followers as of December 2021.