Brighton goalkeeper Maty Ryan says he’s “living the dream” after being named the Australian Footballer of the Year. Ryan has been named the Professional Footballers Australia Men’s Footballer of the Year after impressing for both club and country over the course of 2019.
The 27-year-old was presented with the award, which was voted for by his fellow professionals, on Monday night after teaming up with the Socceroos squad ahead of their World Cup 2022 qualifier against Nepal in Canberra on Thursday.
Ryan admits it is nice to be recognised by his fellow players for his performances for both the Seagulls and on the international stage as he scooped the prize for the second time after also winning it while at Club Brugge in 2015.
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Ryan said: “To accept the award in front of my team-mates was a very proud moment and something I will cherish. It’s a nice bit of recognition of all the hard work and dedication that you put in. I’m obviously living the dream and doing the best that I can, and it’s nice to be recognised by my peers for the contribution I can make as a footballer to the country and domestically with Brighton as well.”
Ryan beat Brighton club-mate Aaron Mooy, Genk star Danny Vukovic, Roy Krishna of Wellington Phoenix and Isaias, who plays for Adelaide United, to win the award.
The keeper has been at the Amex Stadium since summer 2017 and has made 82 appearances in all competitions, keeping 19 clean sheets, while he’s played every minute of the Seagulls’ Premier League games this season, keeping three clean sheets in the first eight games, including Saturday’s fine 3-0 victory over Tottenham.
Ryan is the Socceroos’ first-choice keeper and will hope to help guide his country through to Qatar as they continue on their long qualifying road to the World Cup in 2022.
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Great keeper he is. Sometimes when I watch him, I wish silently that he had been born in Lagos and so could switch allegiance to the SuperEagles.