Red Bull New York introduced its newest midfield acquisition, David Ruiz, to the media on Thursday afternoon following the Honduran international’s arrival on loan from Inter Miami CF.
Ruiz joined his teammates on the pitch at RWJBarnabas Health Red Bulls Performance Center in Morris Township, New Jersey during Thursday morning’s training session.
He will soon have an opportunity to show Red Bull New York supporters his tenacious box-to-box qualities and could make his debut in Saturday’s away match against Seattle Sounders FC.
David Ruiz Ready to Make an Impact at Red Bull New York
“I like to press, I like to run around for people to see how hard I like to work,” Ruiz said on Thursday.
The 22-year-old is eager to make an impact for the Red Bulls, who currently sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
“I feel like just the way they play, I like their system,” he explained. “I feel like I’m a box-to-box midfielder, so I like to attack, defend, be intense, aggressive, and I sort of fit that style of play.”
Ruiz was able to learn within an experienced Inter Miami dressing room, which included legendary players like Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Rodrigo De Paul.
“I was with them for like three years, so I got to really ask them questions, really get to know them — how they are as people, how they take care of themselves on and off the field, and how they think in certain situations,” he said.
David Ruiz Reflects on Learning From Messi and De Paul
Ruiz credits Messi for influencing him to play with greater efficiency.
“When you have Messi by your side, you see him play,” Ruiz began. “He walks the majority of the way, but he’s always a step ahead. It’s something that will help me a lot — to start running less and start running smartly, so I don’t get tired as quickly and I’ll be more efficient.”
He studied the example of De Paul, who has enjoyed great success with the Argentina national team, Atlético de Madrid and most recently with the Herons.
“Rodrigo De Paul, he plays in my position, so I got to see him and really learn a lot from him as well,” Ruiz explained. “I’m way more mature now, I’m not 19 years old anymore, but I got to learn a lot, and I think it’ll help me translate that to my playing style, which I already tried to apply everything that I’ve learned from them.
“It’s something great for me, for this next chapter in my career, and I’ll be grateful to be in the situation I was. [I’m] just looking forward and coming here and doing my best and helping the team.”
Michael Bradley: David Ruiz Was ‘On Our List for a While’
Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley said that Ruiz had been on New York’s transfer wishlist for some time.
“When we got to the end of the window and certain opportunities arose,” Bradley said. “He was a player that has been on our list for a while. So we were able to use the opportunity to bring him in. So we’re really excited. He’s a very young player, has good experience in the league. He’s played with a lot of good players. He’s played under a lot of good coaches and we’re really excited to add him to our midfielders.”
Ruiz could make his Red Bulls debut on Saturday when New York faces the Sounders at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Lumen Field.
More Red Bull New York Coverage
Enjoyed this story? Follow us for the latest updates! | Bluesky | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Leave a Reply