Mathew Ryan is a name that’s been making headlines in the latest sports news, especially in the world of football. The Australian goalkeeper has been turning heads with his impressive performances on the pitch, both at the club and international level. In this article, we take a closer look at the rise of Mathew Ryan and his journey in Australian Rules Football.
From Down Under to the Top Leagues
Mathew Ryan’s journey in football began in his home country, Australia, where he started playing for Blacktown City Demons. He quickly rose through the ranks and made a name for himself in the Australian A-League, where he played for Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar.
In 2013, Ryan made a bold move to Europe, joining Belgian club Club Brugge. His impressive performances in the Belgian Pro League caught the attention of Spanish giants Valencia, who signed him in 2015. Ryan then had a loan spell at English club Brighton & Hove Albion, where he eventually signed permanently in 2021.
Ryan’s time at Brighton has been a mixed bag, with some standout performances and some inconsistent ones. However, his overall contribution to the club has been significant, and he’s become a fan favourite at the Amex Stadium.
International Success
Ryan’s success hasn’t been limited to club football. He’s also been an integral part of the Australian national team, known as the Socceroos. Ryan made his international debut in 2012 and has since become a regular starter for the team.
One of Ryan’s most memorable moments in an Australian shirt came in the 2015 Asian Cup, where he helped the Socceroos win the tournament for the first time in their history. Ryan was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, and his performances earned him a move to Valencia soon after.
Ryan has also represented Australia in two World Cups, in 2014 and 2018, where he put in some impressive displays despite the team’s early exits.
Challenges Faced
Despite his successes, Ryan has also faced his fair share of challenges. In 2020, he lost his place as Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper to Spanish shot-stopper Robert Sanchez. Ryan then went on loan to Arsenal, where he struggled to get any game time.
Ryan’s lack of game time at Arsenal also affected his place in the Australian national team, with coach Graham Arnold stating that he needed regular game time to be considered for selection.
However, Ryan has bounced back from these setbacks and has regained his place in the Brighton team towards the end of the 2020/21 season.
Looking Ahead
As Mathew Ryan looks ahead to the future, there’s no doubt that he still has a lot to offer in the world of football. He’s only 29 years old and has many years of top-level football ahead of him.