Ruibal: Betis' Swiss Army Knife Earning His Flowers
How Aitor Ruibal has transformed from a promising striker into Pellegrini's ultimate utility player at Real Betis, with his recent brace against Getafe highlighting his remarkable journey.
Betis’ Ultimate Utility Man Gets His Moment
In a world of specialists, Aitor Ruibal stands as a glorious throwback to the days when footballers simply played wherever they were needed. The Catalan chameleon’s two-goal performance against Getafe last Sunday wasn’t just a rare scoring outburst – it was the Benito Villamarín faithful’s chance to show proper appreciation for one of Pellegrini’s most trusted lieutenants.
From Striker to Jack of All Trades
It’s easy to forget that Ruibal arrived at Betis Deportivo as a goalscorer from L’Hospitalet, having made his name finding the net throughout Catalonia’s youth systems. His journey since then tells a fascinating story of adaptation:
- Initially brought in as an attacking prospect for Betis’ B team
- Earned first-team chances under Quique Setién
- Developed through three crucial loan spells (Cartagena, Rayo Majadahonda, Leganés)
- Returned in summer 2020 to impress Pellegrini during pre-season
Those loan experiences – particularly under Javier Aguirre at Leganés – proved transformative, forging his adaptable mindset and versatile playing style. When he returned to Betis, Pellegrini immediately recognised something special and blocked any potential transfers away.
Mr. Versatility
In the five-plus years since, Ruibal has become Pellegrini’s ultimate Swiss Army knife. Need a right-back? Ruibal’s your man. Left-back in a pickle? Stick Ruibal there. Winger, second striker, or even centre-forward? The ‘buffalo’ has done it all.
His brace against Getafe marked his first La Liga double for Betis, pushing his total to 13 goals in the famous green and white stripes. But numbers only tell half the story – it’s his willingness to sacrifice personal glory for team needs that’s won Betis supporters’ hearts.
More Than Just Versatility
At 29, with a contract running until 2028, Ruibal is now part of Betis’ leadership group. Only Marc Bartra has been at the club longer among current squad members, with Ruibal just four appearances shy of reaching the 200-match milestone.
Beyond his on-pitch contributions, he’s become a cultural standard-bearer alongside players like Héctor Bellerín and former teammate Borja Iglesias – representing progressive values, freedom of expression, and distinctive style.
The ovation he received at La Cartuja wasn’t just for two goals – it was recognition of a player who embodies what every successful squad needs: someone who puts ego aside and gives everything, wherever needed. As they say in the East End, he’s proper Bobby Dazzler on his day.