Pundit says 28-year-old Arsenal player has had to prove himself ‘that extra bit more’, he’s ‘up for it’

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Arsenal on-loan goalkeeper Mat Ryan has been praised by Optus Sport pundit John Aloisi, who believes the 28-year-old has incredible mental strength and self-belief.

The Brighton loanee, a boyhood Arsenal fan, linked up with Mikel Arteta’s side in January on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Ryan had fallen out of favour at Brighton, losing his spot to Robert Sanchez after a 3-0 loss to Leicester in December.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were on the lookout for a new deputy for Bernd Leno after summer signing Alex Runarsson struggled when handed the first-team gloves.

Ryan made his debut against Aston Villa but was unfortunate to concede after just 74 seconds, his defence letting him down as Ollie Watkins netted with an effort which deflected off Rob Holding.

To his credit, the 28-year-old impressed for the remainder of the game, thwarting Watkins, Bertrand Traore and Jack Grealish.

In a way, the ensuing 88 minutes after going a goal down were a snapshot of Ryan’s success and the growth from his experiences, which included a difficult spell at Valencia.

Aloisi looked back at his fellow Australian’s road to Arsenal, referencing a game at the hands of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey in which he conceded seven times.

“He would’ve been doubting himself: am I good enough for this level? Am I really?” Aloisi told Optus Sport.

“But it just proves his work ethics, belief system, fighting through those hard times, is why he was able to deal with the situation at Arsenal, conceding after 74 seconds and then playing a good game.

“We have to remember when Mat Ryan was at Valencia, it didn’t go well for him – the ups and downs you have, the obstacles that get put in front of you, especially being Australian; you have to prove yourself that extra bit more.

“A lot of the time you have to navigate your way through, and that is why I am so glad; Maty went to England, did well, it was unfortunate with Brighton he was dropped this season but sometimes when something don’t work out, something else better comes along.

“That only comes along with your self-belief and that your quality will help you shine through. He deserves it, and the praise, and let’s hope he can force his way into the starting XI. His performance shows he is up for it, up for fighting for that No.1 spot.”

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Ryan may have conceded early on against Villa, but it wasn’t through a mistake of his own, and he made amends with an impressive performance which bodes well for the rest of the season.

While Bernd Leno is expected to remain Mikel Arteta’s first choice, it’s good to know there’s a proven, experienced and capable deputy that can be called upon.