Fabian Ruiz hailed as 'most underrated player of all time' after PSG's 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona
Ruiz settles thriller as PSG send statement to Europe
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz has been hailed as the “most underrated player of all time” after scoring in the Champions League holders’ statement 4-2 victory over Barcelona at the Parc des Princes.
Ruiz tapped home PSG’s fourth goal after the French giants were pegged back twice in their win in front of a raucous home crowd. Barcelona’s Xavi Espart opened the visitors’ account before teenage sensation Lamine Yamal produced his latest moment of magic to level in the 79th minute.
Vitinha struck two minutes later to restore PSG’s advantage, and it didn’t take much longer for Ruiz to put the game out of sight, finishing Achraf Hakimi’s cross to seal a memorable night for the reigning European champions.
‘He could be the most underrated player of all time’
Speaking on TNT Sports, former England international Joe Cole was effusive in his praise for the Spain international.
“He could be the most underrated player of all time, Fabian Ruiz,” said Cole. “He’s won everything in the game, Champions League, does his job, and what I would say is they look a stronger side with him in.”
Ruiz came into the season off the back of winning the World Cup with Spain, having been an integral figure in midfield alongside Rodri. His quiet authority in the centre of the park has repeatedly been overlooked amid the glare of PSG’s attacking stars.
Doue delights in ‘crazy’ atmosphere
PSG winger Desire Doue, who brilliantly fired in the opener in Paris, was delighted with his side’s performance.
“The atmosphere was crazy tonight,” he said. “We did a great job because we won obviously but we’re really happy with the content of the match. We did some amazing things, we never quit and when you win against one of the biggest teams in Europe you are really happy so we are really happy tonight. I’m always happy when I can help the team.
“Every game you say that we send a message, I don’t know. We just try and play the best football we can and we did a great job tonight.”
Focus turns to Lyon
Attention now turns to domestic matters, with PSG returning to action this weekend against Ligue 1 leaders Lyon, who sit above them in the table on goal difference. A win would see Luis Enrique’s side leapfrog their rivals and tighten their grip on the title race.