Barcelona: Five early January transfer targets for the Catalans

4. Fabian Ruiz

Club: Napoli

Position: Midfielder

At just 23 years of age Fabian Ruiz is potentially Spain’s next global superstar. After impressing at Betis’ first team from the age of 18, Ruiz made a permanent move abroad to Napoli and the Italian switch seems to have worked a treat for the Spanish playmaker.

Ruiz was incredible last season for Napoli playing in a creative and deep-lying role and showing his versatility. He was arguably Napoli’s best player in a highly impressive campaign which saw the Italian side almost lift the title and steal it away from Juventus’ grasp.

Ruiz was instrumental in the entire process. He played in left, right, central midfield and further forward in a trequartista role. The Spanish midfielder has all the traits to make it as a Barcelona player. The tiki-taka style is in his blood and he is a calm and composed player who makes the right passes and transitions forward at the precise time.

Ruiz can also breakdown defences effectively and has an abundance of energy which makes him a real nuisance to compete against. Often it has been this energy which Barcelona lacked in their midfield during the past couple of season and why they faltered against Liverpool and Roma’s high intensity style during their previous Champions League failures.

Now a report by Spanish outlet AS claims that Barcelona want Ruiz to replace the ageing legs of Rakitic who has been out of form lately with the Catalonian side. If that report is anything to go by Barcelona fans would have a truly great dynamic midfielder on their team once more who could help them overcome their previous limitations.