AZ strengthened itself on Tuesday evening with Mathew Ryan. The Australian goalkeeper was still captain under the goal bar at the Socceroos last World Cup in Qatar and comes over from the Danish FC Copenhagen.
With the rental of second goalkeeper Peter Vindahl last month to the German club 1. FC Nurnberg and the injured talented keeper Sem Wersterveld, AZ had already hinted that it was looking for an experienced closing post. And Mathew Ryan has a lot of baggage. The 30-year-old Australian played for clubs such as Brighton & Hove Albion, Club Brugge, Real Sociedad and also played 79 times for the national team.
Competitive battle
With the signing of Ryan, it seems that Hobie Verhulst has to fear for his basic place. The Alkmaar keeper conquered a basic spot for the first time this season. After an excellent start to the season, Verhulst made a few mistakes.
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Work permit
There is very little chance that Ryan will make his debut for AZ against Excelsior on Wednesday evening. He is not yet entitled to play, it is unclear how long it will take before he has a work permit. The Australian goalkeeper is the second winter reinforcement for the team of trainer Pascal Jansen. Earlier, the Alkmaarders already attracted the American Djordje Mihailovic.
You can follow the cup match Excelsior – AZ on Wednesday live on NH Radio.