Who will be Mat Ryan's successor?

Mathew Ryan appears bound for new club.

Links suggest a departure from F.C. Copenhagen is imminent. And yet, Ryan is familiar enough with the transfer market to likely be fearful. A character of strong mental fortitude, Ryan has stood firm in his desire to mix it with the best having buried his heels in the European scene for the last decade.

At 30 years of age, he has forged a respectable career: England, Spain, Belgium and Denmark account for the club lands in which Ryan has tread. With the exception of Brighton and Hove Albion (England) and Club Brugge (Belgium), Ryan has been both courageous and unfortunate enough to often ply his trade as a second-choice keeper.

Despite this challenge, the 30-year-old has remained Australia’s first-choice shot-stopper, finding favour with each national team manager that has come and gone. Further, Ryan regularly finds himself donning the captain’s armband. Entering 2023, he will most likely retain that armband as the Socceroos commence their World Cup qualifying campaign and Asian Cup quest.

The Socceroos departed for the Qatar World Cup with three goalkeepers: Ryan, Andrew Redmayne (33) and Daniel Vukovic (37). Each member has in their own right fashioned a solid career. And yet, only Ryan – realistically – will feature at the 2026 World Cup, by then aged 34.

The question is: who will inherit Australia’s shot-stopping duties?

Domestically, football fans have enjoyed the development of Melbourne City’s Tom Glover (25) and Adelaide United’s Joe Gauci (22) – both of whom have cemented starting positions at their respective clubs. Veteran Paul Izzo (28) is another who may be in the mix for future contention.

Abroad, goalkeeper stocks deepen. Nicholas Bilokapic (20) of Huddersfield Town maintains second-choice status at English Championship level. Ironically, his compatriot Jacob Chapman (22) has cemented third-choice at the Terriers also. Concurrently, Ashley Maynard-Brewer (23) of Charlton Athletic appears on the cusp of holding down the first-choice spot – a journey five years into the making.

Of course, these are just some of the names who aspire to guard the Australian net come 2026. Additionally, the development of a goalkeeper is one of great patience as maturity and career-best form commonly occurs later than that of outfield positions. Admittedly, there are names that will emerge in the seasons to come and – hopefully – make a contest of pulling on the gloves.

However, with Graham Arnold demonstrating a willingness to incorporate younger players into camp and create a streamlined path from Olyroos to senior level, are we on the verge of witnessing a young, fresh faced shot-stopper – or two – make his international debut this coming season?