Pablo Ruiz Inks New Five Year Deal With Real Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has signed midfielder Pablo Ruiz to a new five-year deal, cementing the Argentine to a long term contract with the club.

Ruiz, 21, has played in 17 games for the Claret and Cobalt since he arrived at the club in 2018. From those 17 games, he has managed to score one goal.

“Pablo is an immensely talented young player and has established himself as a foundational piece of our roster in 2020,” RSL General Manager Elliot Fall said. “He is a player who has shown his ability to impact matches at a high-level right now, but has almost limitless potential to become even more. His development over the last 18 months has been fantastic to watch and we are thrilled to finalize this agreement and ensure RSL is the club where Pablo will take the next steps in his career.”

However, Ruiz has quickly solidified himself as a key member of the current roster and a favorite of current manager Freddy Juarez as he has started in 8 games from 10 appearances in 2020.

🚀 AN ABSOLUTE MISSILE! 🚀

Pablo Ruiz SMASHES it from DEEEEEEP for his first MLS goal to equalize it at 85' #RSLvSEA pic.twitter.com/wZTeUAIHpK

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 3, 2020

In 2019, Ruiz left the club on loan and played in the Austrian third division team FC Pinzgau Saalfelden where he excelled scoring 9 goals in 15 matches.

“For me it means a lot to sign another contract with Real Salt Lake and I am very happy to see my bond with the club extended,” Ruiz said.  “First of all I want to thank the fans who have given me a lot of affection; my teammates who have given helped me a lot; the coaching staff who have given me a lot of confidence so that today I can have a new bond with the club; and finally I am very happy to be able to continue playing for Real Salt Lake.”

Ruiz plays in the heart of the midfield, orchestrating attacking opportunities for RSL with his wicked left foot. His skillset and ability to control the football is world-class as he has advertised in every game that he has played in 2020.

The spell on loan to FC Pinzgau Saalfelden was monumental for Ruiz and his development. He learned how to become a professional and lead a team.

FWIW: at RSL training today I witnessed some exquisite striking from Pablo Ruiz, his left foot is deadly and he has fantastic technique. The newly acquired young Argentine is one to watch RSL fans…

— Tom Hackett (@TomCantHackett) March 9, 2018

The new deal allows Ruiz to breathe a sigh of relief as he knows has the comfort in knowing that the club is in full support of his ability on the pitch, he can now solely focus on his play rather than the stress that surrounds not knowing what his future has in store.

“Pablo’s improvements in his professionalism, his defending and his fitness have been commendable,” RSL Head Coach Freddy Juarez said.  “Those aspects compliment his strengths and make him a more complete player, which makes him an important part of the team going forward.”