Ange Postecoglou says 19-year-old Central Coast goalkeeper Matt Ryan is an outstanding talent with the world at his feet, but his own coach wants him to forget everything he’s achieved and strive to maintain his dizzying rate of improvement.
Ange Postecoglou says 19-year-old Central Coast goalkeeper Matt Ryan is an outstanding talent with the world at his feet, but his own coach wants him to forget everything he’s achieved and strive to maintain his dizzying rate of improvement.
Ryan, the Joe Marston Medallist in the Mariners’ grand final loss to Brisbane, was back to his best at Suncorp Stadium in the season-opener, pulling off an array of acrobatic saves to keep his side level until the 72nd minute.
The Mariners were good but the defending champions were clearly better. Ryan gave his side a chance by refusing to be beaten in goal.
Postecoglou, the reigning Hyundai A-League Coach of the Year and an authority on youth talent development was left in awe of the keeper’s potential.
“He’s fantastic. I’m sick of him, to be honest. Every time he plays against us he’s outstanding,” said Postecoglou.
“He’s a fantastic young talent and he seems to get it to the right areas, and even when he’s not … he dives and stretches out and gets in the way.”
“He’s an outstanding young goalkeeper and an outstanding young talent. I’m glad we got that out of the way and managed to get one past him.”
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the teenager’s game was his comfort on the big stage against the competition’s best in just his third game back from a serious knee injury.
Arnold was at first reluctant to heap praise on his prodigiously talented shot-stopper, claiming his aim was to ensure Ryan kept his fixed firmly on the future.
“He’s only just came back and it’s like he’s never been away,” said Arnold.
“The kid’s confident and he’s had a great season last year where he won major awards.”
“But as I told him yesterday, throw them in the cupboard and when you’re retired you can have another look at them, because memorabilia’s nice but you’re so young in your career that (you have to) start with a clean slate.”
“You have great memories, but this year’s another year and you have to perform. He’s started off well.”
