In search of a new goalkeeper, following the hasty departure of Brice Samba, RC Lens ended up setting their sights on Mathew Ryan. Impressed by the Australian international's approach, Will Still has no doubts about his ability to live up to expectations.
Mathew Ryan, the right profile
“He amazed me when I got on the phone with him before he signed. He knew absolutely everything about the club, the supporters, the history, the passion. I found someone who was hyper motivated, very cultured and very intelligent. The person will be a real plus in the locker room. In terms of goalkeeper qualities, he is very dynamic and powerful, without being the biggest. He has a good kicking game, he is quite good in the air. He has a real personality in goals. He has a lot of experience, having played in three World Cups and in major European clubs. This will really be a real plus for everyone. Both the guardian and the character are welcome. We simply had Hervé (Koffi) available. There was a need to add something more and that’s what we did. »
A hierarchy to define
“We are lucky to have two very good goalkeepers. Hervé did the job that was expected of him. He did things well. Mathew comes with his experience, his character. There will be a choice to make and I will make it in my soul and conscience. There is a myth around goalkeepers that has always made me laugh. We will establish a hierarchy and it will be clear. We have time ahead of us to do it before Sunday. There are two good goalkeepers, two good personalities. There are numbers taken into account, quite a few factors that come into play. This should not be a fixation or a point of particular attention. The best will play. »
Un leadership certain
“Above all, it comes to strengthen executives who have been in place and important for several years like Flo (Florian Sotoca), Jo (Jonathan Gradit), Adri (Adrien Thomasson), Fac (Facundo Medina) and Kev (Kevin Danso). We add to that a really very interesting international experience. He speaks English, Spanish and he told me he would speak French in six weeks. »
The duration of his contract
“If he is good, he will extend! The contract and extension stories, you have to ask the people above me. »
-Source : RC Lens
Photo credits: Icon Sport
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