Fabian Ruiz returns to Spain’s starting line-up on Tuesday night, with the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder handed another Nations League role against Croatia in Seville.
The move
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has kept faith with Ruiz for the second group-stage match, played at the Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium at 20:45.
The PSG midfielder will operate alongside Martin Zubimendi in central midfield. Zubimendi comes in for Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who begins among the substitutes.
Fermin Lopez is selected behind striker Mikel Oyarzabal, while Ferran Torres must also wait on the bench after Oyarzabal was chosen to lead the attack.
De la Fuente has made five alterations from the Spain side that beat England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday. Dean Huijsen replaces Aymeric Laporte in defence, while Alex Baena starts on the left instead of Nico Williams. Lamine Yamal retains his place in the XI.
The French season around it
For Ruiz, the selection is another international start during the season for a player representing PSG in Spain’s midfield. His role alongside Zubimendi places him at the centre of a reshaped side as Spain look to follow their Wembley victory with another positive result against Croatia.
