Ex-Brighton keeper Kuipers tribute to Ryan after Arsenal move | OneFootball

Former Brighton goalkeeper Michel Kuipers has paid tribute to Mat Ryan.

Ryan has joined Arsenal on-loan to the end of the season.

“Mat has been a really good servant for the club these past three-and-a-half years," Kuipers told the club's website.

“He has played pretty much every game in the Premier League era for Brighton and has done really well. He has helped establish the club in the division.

“He has gone from strength to strength during his time at Brighton and he has improved a lot since he arrived. He has grown with the team in that respect.

“That's a compliment to not only him but Ben Roberts the goalkeeping coach, who works with him on a daily basis, as well as the first team coaching staff. I hope he does well at Arsenal."

Kuipers was impressed with the way that Ryan adapted to different playing styles, but could understand why the former Valencia man joined the Gunners.

“Under both Chris Hughton and Graham Potter, Maty has been impressive. His distribution and being available almost as an 11th outfield player helped the team in retaining possession in games and building out from the back.

“He has also pulled off some unbelievable saves like the one at Southampton last year and he has contributed to how Brighton want to play.

“He barks out a lot of instructions, a lot like a certain Michel Kuipers! It shows a strong personality, leadership and determination which helps the team a lot, especially defensively as the goalkeeper can see what defenders can't.

“At his age I understand the move though. I have been following Robert Sanchez's career very closely and he has done fantastically well since he came into the team, he deserves his chance."