Matt Ryan’s Journey: From Valencia to Levante and Beyond

omidbasir- Over a decade ago, Valencia made headlines by signing Australian international goalkeeper Matt Ryan, a decision that raised eyebrows due to its unexpected nature. However, Ryan has proven to be a reliable goalkeeper, embarking on a journey that has seen him play for multiple teams. Following his debut in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers against Monaco, he has now returned to the city, this time joining Levante to participate in his first derby.

Ryan’s time at Valencia was marked by limited opportunities. Initially starting as the first-choice goalkeeper, he suffered a meniscal injury that hampered his playing time. By the time he recovered, opportunities were scarce, leading him to feature in a few Europa League matches and the Copa del Rey, but he never made his Champions League debut. Diego Alves emerged as an indisputable starter, further diminishing Ryan’s chances.

Consequently, he transitioned from Valencia to Genk on loan, igniting a journey that spanned seven teams over seven years before arriving at Levante. Following his loan in Belgium, Valencia sold Ryan to Brighton for seven million euros. His career path then led him to Arsenal, Real Sociedad, Copenhagen, AZ Alkmaar, Roma, and Leeds, before he joined Levante this summer on a free transfer, now aiming to secure his position as the starting goalkeeper at the age of 33.

As Ryan embarks on this new chapter with Levante, he approaches his first derby with anticipation. His time at Valencia was fleeting, and he did not have the opportunity to face Levante directly, nor were there encounters in the Copa del Rey. Nonetheless, despite limited appearances, Ryan left a positive impression among Valencia supporters. An integral part of the Australian national team, he has amassed 100 caps, including ten in World Cups. Although injuries hindered his progress at Valencia, Ryan’s resilience and determination have allowed him to continue competing at a high level.