At the Embassy Suites on Broad Street in Chattanooga, the final vans have departed. The day prior, much like any other, a throng of children climbed barriers and trees, eager for a glimpse of Spain’s players. One girl stood atop a ladder, clutching placards—one read, “I’ve been here three weeks. I know you’ve seen me!” while the other pleaded, “Sometimes things don’t go the way we would like; we’re working to ensure they do.” On Wednesday afternoon, Tennessee time, the players emerged, knowing they wouldn’t return.
Spain is moving on from their training base, heading towards Los Angeles, with aspirations of landing in Dallas next. However, they depart with more uncertainties than they had at the onset of the World Cup. Fabián Ruiz suggests that while doubts may exist externally, the atmosphere within the training facility is somewhat different.
Fabián, who prefers brevity in his words, often focuses on the concept of being natural. He acknowledges, “If his name wasn’t Fabián, everyone would talk about him more,”
The beginning of the tournament for Spain was significantly influenced by the fitness of Lamine Yamal, an 18-year-old prodigy who has been recovering since April. There was a prevailing feeling that the team was waiting for his return before they could truly begin. The wingers have faced their own issues, impacting Spain’s identity—particularly the innovative tiki-taka style that Luis de la Fuente has implemented. The midfield dynamics are equally critical, and this is where Fabián’s role becomes noteworthy.
He has not been in the starting lineup since the opening match against Cape Verde. At times, it has seemed easier to overlook Fabián. “the six best midfielders in the world” lamented De la Fuente. Fabián himself remains quiet, often under the radar, lacking a personal advocate, although he did make a lighthearted remark recently about suggesting a TV channel provide subtitles for him, following another channel’s portrayal of his mother in a documentary. He takes pride in his roots, especially his mother Chari Peña’s strong Andalucía accent.
Raised in the small town of Los Palacios, known for its bumper cars, wicker chairs, and tomatoes, Chari single-handedly nurtured Fabián while working as a cleaner at the training ground where he developed through the Betis youth academy. There were mornings when she would drop him off for training sessions at 7 AM, leaving him asleep in the car while she worked, only to return later to wake him up for practice. Fabián credits his achievements to her unwavering support, which includes being a three-time European champion—he was a standout player during Euro 24 and has won the last two Champions Leagues with Paris Saint-Germain.
De la Fuente has confidently stated that Spain boasts “It has been hard to get my pace and rhythm back but I am 100% now,” a claim that raises the challenge of determining how to integrate them effectively. Additionally, the physical condition of players like Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino, and Fabián himself has been a concern due to injuries.
“I think they’re 100% but I can only speak for myself: I feel in good form. There were long-term injuries and it is true that to start with it is hard to get up to pace and adapt when you come back: I struggled with that. But by the time I got here, I had played various games in a row for PSG at the highest level without having to stop; the injury has been forgotten.” Fabián states. “I don’t think it’s about Pedri’s position [that means] the game is slower. “From the outside I don’t know how people look at it; on the inside we see it as something that’s totally natural. We know that any of the central midfielders can play. We can play together or separately, it doesn’t matter. It’s not important who plays; it’s important that we support each other. And I don’t think it changes anything. The idea we have is the same and we all have the ability to make that idea work. We have different characteristics but I think at a collective level the idea is the same.”
During the World Cup, Pedri and Rodri have been consistent starters. The ongoing question is who will join them in the lineup. Fabián started in the initial match, while Dani Olmo took the role in the second, and Mikel Merino in the third. The decision for the next match against Austria remains uncertain, as does its implications.
Fabián’s presence necessitated a shift from De la Fuente’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation to either a 4-3-3 or repositioning Pedri higher up the pitch, where he has struggled to make an impact. Fabián believes that his absence from the lineup relates more to tactical structure than to his performance, asserting, “Álvaro and Dani were two very important captains for us and had a lot of weight in the team,”
“But there are others who have the experience. The captains. Rodri, the first captain. Unai Simon. Mikel Oyarzabal who seems shy but he is someone you listen to, someone who is imposing when he talks because he always has the right opinion. Aymeric Laporte, too.”
However, leadership roles within the team have shifted. At the European Championship, Spain benefited from a trio of leaders: Álvaro Morata led with empathy, Dani Carvajal with competitiveness, and Rodri through his footballing prowess. Currently, only Rodri remains.
“I’ve always said I am reserved. I am not someone who much likes to show his face in public, to speak much, but within the group I always give my little bit to help my teammates, especially the younger ones. “Whatever the manager decides, we’re totally ready to help the team on the pitch or off it. The best thing about this team is the family we are. We trust in what we’re doing. We’re 100% now and we hope we can show it.” Fabián reflects. “But there are others who have the experience. The captains. Rodri, the first captain. Unai Simon. Mikel Oyarzabal who seems shy but he is someone you listen to, someone who is imposing when he talks because he always has the right opinion. Aymeric Laporte, too.”
What about Fabián himself? With two consecutive Champions League titles to his name, he stands out. “Well …” he begins, which speaks volumes. “I’ve always said I am reserved. I am not someone who much likes to show his face in public, to speak much, but within the group I always give my little bit to help my teammates, especially the younger ones.
“Whatever the manager decides, we’re totally ready to help the team on the pitch or off it. The best thing about this team is the family we are. We trust in what we’re doing. We’re 100% now and we hope we can show it.”
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