Abel Ruiz: Barca's latest academy star

The 17-year-old is a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and has plundered six goals in six games so far during the tournament, putting him in second place in the race for the Golden Boot behind only Brewster, with the pair set to go head-to-head on Sunday as England take on Spain in the final.

What's his current situation?

His red-hot run of form and his current contract status have led to links with a move away from Catalonia, with a number of sides thought to be closely monitoring his situation.

Ruiz has a €3m release clause in his contract at the Camp Nou, with his current deal due to expire in just over 18 months' time. The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City are all well aware of Ruiz's ability and all would be interested in snatching the youngster away from the Catalan side if the opportunity arose.

Two players who play in similar positions to Ruiz were sold on by Barca last summer, with Jordi Mboula moving to France with Monaco and Eric Garcia making the switch to the Premier League with City, but the club are thought to be keen to avoid a repeat of the Cesc Fabregas affair of yesteryear.

Does he want to leave?

Judging by his comments in the press, Ruiz is a young man with his head screwed on. Despite his precarious situation contractually and the potential to cash in with a mega-money deal elsewhere the 17-year-old has consistently spoken of his desire to make the breakthrough at the Camp Nou.

‘The club has always said that they trust in me and I will stay for as long as that is the case,’ he explained in a recent interview with Spanish publication 'Sport'.

Despite being a proud Valencia fan, with Barca plucking him from the Mestalla-based club at the age of 12, Ruiz is keen to point out that he is happy in Catalonia, suggesting that he has rejected opportunities to leave in the past.

‘If I have stayed until now then it’s because I want to end up playing at the Nou Camp. It’s the dream we all have and I hope I can fulfill it,’ he told 'Diario Sport' recently.

What sort of player is he?

Put simply, the boy lives to score goals. Ruiz models himself of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, having been quoted as saying: 'I watch him (Lewandowski) closely because he is the complete striker.'

Despite his penchant for finding the net, he is much more than just a fox-in-the-box, that much was obvious in the U17 WC semi-final against Mali, when he lead the line to devastating effect, running the channels, creating space for others and generally not giving defenders a moment's rest, as well as helping himself to two goals of course.

Ruiz's style conflicts somewhat with what Barca typically look for in a striker, something which the youngster is very much aware of:  ‘It’s difficult for a No 9 who is used to playing in the area because Barca asks you to operate a little bit further from the goal. 

'And it becomes even more difficult when teams defend deep against you just because you are Barcelona.’

How has he developed in recent years?

It's fair to say he hadn't been doing too badly ahead of this tournament. Despite being just 17, Ruiz has already made four appearances for Barca's B team, scoring once and has demonstrated his confidence by telling all who would listen that Barca B are good enough to win promotion this season.

Access to the B team is usually restricted until players are slightly older but Ruiz is a player who has been playing above his normal age group since he started at La Masia.

On the international stage, it is expected that Spain U21s will come calling sooner rather than later for the man who has scored more goals for Spain U17s (27) than any other player in their history.

Ruiz made his Spain U17 debut at the age of 15 and scored against Andorra as he started on the goal trail.

The young goal-getter has also experienced success at youth international level, winning the U17 European Championships last year in Croatia and picking up the Silver Boot in the process. Ruiz scored in the final against England on that occasion but the 'Three Lions' will have a chance for revenge on Saturday as they fight for the title of 'world's best'.

Verdict:

He may be young but Abel Ruiz appears to have all the tools necessary to have a long career in football, whether that will be with Barcelona though is yet to be seen.