Elkin Ruiz is a 17-year-old left-back who plays for Independiente del Valle. The left-back had a busy year, participating in the U-20 Copa Libertadores, U-17 Sudamericano and U-17 World Cup. Elkin Ruiz mainly played his domestic football for Independiente del Valle U-19. He made his first-team debut in the last match of the season. I have been watching Elkin Ruiz for almost two years now but I am yet to write a scout report about him.
The left-back stands at around 1.68 meters with an average build. Despite being a small player, Ruiz is strong in ground and aerial duels due to his leg strength. He generates much power from his legs, displaying excellent jumping reach and timing in aerial duels to help him win most duels. The left-back holds his own in physical duels and can protect the ball well. Elkin Ruiz has a good burst of speed and is quick over longer distances. He has a low centre of gravity, allowing him to turn quickly and stay close to the ground.
Elkin Ruiz, like many of Independiente del Valle’s youth academy players, has good technique. The Ecuadorian left-back is comfortable receiving under pressure, displaying a good first touch and being capable of playing one-touch passes. He displays nice ball control in tight areas, keeping the ball close to him and playing with a lot of confidence. Ruiz is very secure on the ball, displaying good short and long passing technique. His long passing can be slightly inconsistent at times. The left-back is comfortable playing in both an inverted- and wide role, mostly making overlapping runs but not being very dangerous with his crossing, especially in the U-17 World Cup where his crossing was poor. Ruiz’s cut-backs are a lot better, spotting an attacker in space and delivering a good cut-back. He likes to carry the ball into midfield, which he does very well.
Elkin Ruiz has experience playing as both a wide central defender, a left-back and a left wing-back (and even as a winger against Brazil U-17). The defender often aggressively presses his opponent, forcing him backwards or intercepting the ball. His timing is good and he is very persistent in defensive duels. Ruiz is a very capable defender in 1v1 duels, changing directions and reacting quickly. He blocks passes well due to his athleticism and displays good bravery in aerial duels.
My expectation for 2024 is that Elkin Ruiz becomes a regular starter for Independiente Juniors in the Serie B. Even though he is ready to become a first-team squad player, there is too much competition at the moment from Caicedo, Cortez and Medina. Elkin Ruiz is a very talented player, although he must improve his crossing if he wants to increase his attacking output as a left-back. He has the potential to make a transfer to Europe in the future.
Target Scouting 