Mark Bosnich backs Mat Ryan to be Australia’s first-choice keeper at World Cup – despite Socceroos shot-stopper now being a bench-warmer for Copenhagen
Former goalkeeping ace Mark Bosnich believes Mat Ryan can still be the Socceroos No.1 goalkeeper at the World Cup – but acknowledged it is a worry that he is now only the back-up gloveman at club side Copenhagen.
Ryan, 30, has lost his spot in the Danish Superliga to Polish young gun Kamil Grabara.
And his rival between the sticks has engaged in a public war of words, declaring he doesn’t ‘see any competition’ when it comes to the Aussie gloveman.
Ryan has opted not to bite back, but tensions are said to be understandably frosty between the pair.
Speaking as a pundit on Stan Sport, Bosnich pointed out Japan based Mitch Langerak is nipping at Ryan’s ankles, and will be strongly considered by coach Graham Arnold to take over from Ryan.
Mat Ryan appears to be on the outer with club side FC Copenhagen in Denmark – which isn’t good news for the Socceroos ahead of the World Cup in Qatar
Speaking on Stan Sport, former Manchester United keeper Mark Bosnich said Mat Ryan needs minutes before the France game on November 23
‘Graham values (Ryan) very, very highly – he’s his captain as well. But in the end he will have to do what’s best for the team, he knows that,’ he said.
‘They (FC Copenhagen) changed managers two weeks ago…they’ve already conceded as many goals this season as they did the whole of last season.
‘With Grabara is playing like he is, it’s going to be very difficult for Mat to get into the team.
‘When Graham Arnold puts on an in-house game (once the Socceroos arrive in Qatar), Mat will have to show his level of fitness.’
Bosnich, the former Aston Villa star who also had spells at Manchester United and Chelsea and played for Australia between 1993 and 2000, said Arnold shouldn’t pick players on reputation.
The one-time Red Devils gloveman pointed out Japan based Mitch Langerak is nipping at Ryan’s ankles ahead of the World Cup
Socceroos skipper Mat Ryan has lost his spot in the Danish Superliga to outspoken Polish young gun Kamil Grabara
Sharpness at Socceroos training will be key, with Les Blues able to call on a galaxy of stars, including PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé.
‘The proof will be in the pudding against France,’ Bosnich added.
‘You could have (Thibaut) Courtois and David de Gea in goal – if they (France) are on song that day, it’s going to be very difficult for anyone.’
The Socceroos play defending champions France on November 23 in Group D, followed by Tunisia (November 26) and Denmark (December 1).
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