Ruben Garcia: Scout Report

Alexis Sanchez of FC Barcelona duels for the ball with Ruben Garcia Santos of Levante UD during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Levante UD at Camp Nou

His ability and awareness on the ball in the final third is effective as he has created 5 chances so far this term as well as the goal against Vallecano, a product of neat footwork and incisive running seeing him beat a couple of defenders as he cut in from the right side to rifle an unstoppable shot down to the keeper’s left side. That he has attempted 53 passes so far this season with just 8 of them crosses (at the time of writing) suggests how Garcia’s game is based around creating in the inner channels rather than using his sheer speed to go outside of the full-back. It is a trait that has seen him being compared to Juan Mata.

His admirable quality in adapting to the orders of his coach and comfort on the ball was a feature behind Martinez’s decisions to field Garcia in a variety of positions – a right-winger, a play-maker or even as a striker as he did on a couple of occasions. However, it is clear from this early season that Caparros sees him as a roaming left-winger. The confidence and the technical qualities which the 20-year-old has in abundance is the main factor behind his versatility, though it is his remarkable discipline and defensive work that can see him play effectively as a central-midfielder.

Having already contributed with 5 tackles and 8 interceptions this campaign, as well as the 36 fouls he committed last term, 5 more than he suffered himself, it is a result of his willingness to get involved in the “uglier” side of the game and an over-enthusiastic immaturity that will eventually be eradicated with age. Though his ability to track back and protect his defence cannot be argued with, a huge asset that sees him fit perfectly into Caparros’s rigid style that will aim to tighten things up in the wake of the opening day thrashing at the Nou Camp.

Standing at just 5 foot 7 inches, Garcia is often exposed in the air as he has lost 3 of his four aerial duels in this campaign, highlighting the importance in feeding the ball to his feet. Also, with a pass success rate of just 73.6%, his decision-making on the ball will also need improvement, but his 14 misplaced passes this term could be a result of the counter-attacking style used at Levante which relies on the support of team-mates to sprint forward and join moves, often leading them short of numbers when in the opposition half.

Transfer situation

Garcia is now contracted to Levante until 2016 and the interest from Arsenal in the summer revealed his release clause to be in the region of £8.5 million, which would not put off too many suitors should he continue his great form.

Atletico Madrid and Liverpool both previously looked at Garcia back when the winger was a youth player with Levante but it has been only Arsenal who have showed concrete interest in the 20-year-old since he has emerged onto the La Liga scene. When asked about a potential move to the Emirates, Garcia said “Spain has very nice teams and is very historical, but I like to travel and go outside [the country]. Arsenal would be a very nice club and I think it would be great. Things are being worked on.” The player has been taking English lessons in recent years and is said to be a big fan of the Premier League.

Though a move away from Levante in the future seems near-inevitable, it appears likely that he will remain with the modest Valencia outfit to oversee the next part of his development. Based on his superb attitude, skill and awareness on the ball, plenty of clubs will be chasing the signature of Ruben Garcia over the next few years should he continue to impress in Spain.