Mat Ryan labels himself and Arsenal teammate as ‘world class’

Mat Ryan has told Optus Sport that he has the self-belief that he is world class, but reckons Arsenal teammate Bernd Leno is also worthy of that title – after the Australian stopper started ahead of the Germany international against Newcastle on Sunday.

While most clubs play their best goalkeeper in the league and their back-up keeper in the cup competitions, Arsenal are doing it the other way round with the Europa League taking more importance above the league right now.

Leno played against Villarreal last week before 29-year-old Ryan replaced him as Arsenal eased past Newcastle United with a 2-0 win on Tyneside – in what was his first clean sheet in his third appearance since joining the club on loan from Brighton.

Ryan spoke to Optus Sport following the win over Steve Bruce’s side, stating that £22million (Standard) signing Leno is world class – but also states that he believes he is world class, and that self-confidence has helped him break into the Arsenal side.

“I knew you coming here that Arsenal had a great goalkeeper in Bernd,” Ryan told Optus Sport. “What he’s done in his career is testament to what he is today – a world-class goalkeeper.

TBR’s view – Which is better?

Right now, Ryan will certainly have more confidence. Playing for the club he supported as a boy and keeping his first clean sheet, he is certainly under less pressure than Leno. But on paper, Leno is the better goalkeeper.

So, who do Arsenal start on Thursday against Villarreal? It would be a big call to bring in Ryan but he certainly has more confidence. Leno is likely to start for the Gunners given he is more experienced, but a conversation that needs to be had.