Ruiz warns Fulham that his former club will be 'offensive'

Gordon Tynan
Wednesday 30 November 2011 20:00 EST
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Bryan Ruiz has not exactly started his Fulham career with a bang – more of a pop, barring one superb chipped goal against Everton – but the Londoners would be delighted to have him on the pitch tonight in the Netherlands as they face Twente in the Europa League. That they will not is thanks to Twente, from where the striker was signed for £10.6m in August and for whom he had already played in Europe this season.

But if Ruiz cannot be any use on the pitch – and his performance against Arsenal on Sunday suggests there is plenty more where that Everton goal came from – he at least can give them the lowdown on tonight's opponents, who have been one of the Netherlands' best sides in recent years. Twente were title winners in 2010 – pipping Martin Jol's Ajax – and second last season, and have already booked their place in the next round. Ruiz says Fulham, who are second in Group K, must be ready for a serious challenge.

"They will play very offensive because at home they normally do that," Ruiz said. "They will try to press us and try to keep the ball. I think we can win the game but we have to be really focused, defend well and also keep the ball when we have it. I think for sure we'll have chances so we have to convert the chances we create.

"We have to take care of Nacer Chadli, Luuk de Jong and Ola John and also Emir Bajrami – if those players play, they are very good. Twente are not having the best season but they are doing well in the Europa League, they know that they are through – but they will like to finish well."

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