Australia international goalkeeper Mat Ryan has continued a strong start to life at Valencia, keeping another clean sheet as he faced off against his childhood idol Iker Casillas.
The Aussie gloveman withstood FC Porto’s domination in Saturday’s pre-season friendly in Cologne, but it was Spanish veteran Casillas who proved the hero in the shootout as the Portuguese side won 5-4 on penalties.
It was Ryan’s second straight clean sheet after he produced a flawless display in Valencia’s 1-0 friendly win over PSV Eindhoven last month.
Mat Ryan had only last week told Spanish media he grew up hoping to model his game on that of Spain and Real Madrid legend Casillas.
“Growing up as a kid (my idol) was Cassillas,” Ryan said at a press conference from Valencia’s training camp in Kamen, Germany.
”Now in the modern day it’s Manuel Neuer. He’s the best goalkeeper in the world and I think we have a lot of similarities in the game.
“I try to watch him as often as I can and try to learn from him.”
Ryan spoke glowingly of his new club’s facilities and ambition.
”The club wants to win the Champions League and La Liga as soon as possible,” Ryan said.
“My objective being here it to help them achieve that.”
Valencia and Porto had been locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes in the RheinEnergie Stadion and could not be separated in the ensuing shootout either, until Bruno Martins Indi put Porto 5-4 up and Casillas produced a fine save to deny the luckless Joao Cancelo.
Porto created the better of the chances during normal time, with Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar striking the crossbar after just two minutes.and Martins Indi heading over from close range in the 71st minute.
Both sides return to action on Sunday, with Valencia facing host Cologne and Porto taking on Stoke City.
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