Veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan has spent years competing in both the Premier League and LaLiga, and he sat down with Flashscore to discuss the contrasts between the two leagues, his fond memories at Brighton, what it was like playing under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, and his current club Levante’s fight for survival.
**Question:** You’ve played in both the Premier League and LaLiga. How would you compare them?
**Answer:** Both are incredibly competitive leagues, of course. Out of all the championships I’ve been in—and there have been quite a few, for better or worse—LaLiga and the Premier League are probably the most demanding.
I really enjoyed my time in the UK playing in the Premier League. In Australia and pretty much everywhere else, the Premier League is probably the most followed league. It has the most financial backing, the most global interest, and that shows in the level of investment, the television deals clubs have, and the resources they command.
Here in LaLiga, I’m genuinely enjoying my football this year with Levante. This is my third stint in Spain, and it’s the first time I’ve had such a consistent run as a starting goalkeeper—something I really value.
The Premier League is full of technical players, but I’d say its main characteristic is physical intensity and speed. It’s very fast football; you don’t have much time to think, and physical contact is constant. I think that’s also down to the referees, who tend to let a lot more go.
In other leagues, like Spain, sometimes a player just has to scream as if they’ve been kicked—even if there was barely any contact—and the referee blows the whistle straight away. So LaLiga isn’t as physical in terms of duels, but it’s still very competitive. Plus, many teams are committed to playing out from the back and possession-based football, with very distinct styles.
Another big difference is the climate… You have to adapt, both as a goalkeeper and as any player, when you change countries. Here in Spain, the weather is much drier and warmer than in the UK, and that also plays a role.
**Q:** Your longest spell was at Brighton, where you played over 120 Premier League games. What do you remember about your early days there?
**A:** It was very exciting. I was coming from Valencia, where I wasn’t playing regularly. I went on loan to Genk, and my plan was to get minutes, regain match fitness, and then return to Valencia to try to establish myself. But it didn’t work out that way, and I remember Brighton contacted my agent, and I ended up signing there.
Everything around a Premier League club is thrilling, and I quickly got to know Brighton as a club. They had just built a new stadium and training ground; I went to see the facilities, and the team had just been promoted. Everything was full of promise, and I really enjoyed my time there.
It was where I felt most settled. I stayed longer than at any other club, and I remember thinking I could spend the rest of my career there. Honestly, I was very happy.
**Q:** Was there a moment when you thought, “I belong in this league, I have to play here, I must stay here”?
**A:** Yes, I think that has been my favorite part of my career so far—playing in that league at the highest level.
I respect every league I’ve played in; they’re all difficult and present a challenge. But the magnitude of the Premier League, going up against the best teams, the best players and managers in the world, in iconic stadiums… it has everything.
The feeling you get when you achieve something at that level—whether it’s making good saves against top players or winning as a team against Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea—it’s unmatched.
**Q:** You were at Arsenal for a short spell. How was it playing under Mikel Arteta?
**A:** It was a fantastic experience. Arteta is a very demanding coach, but also a very clear communicator. He knows exactly what he wants from each player, and he creates a strong sense of unity. I could see his vision for the club, and I think if he wins a title, it will be the first of many. He has the right mentality and the ability to build something sustainable.
**Q:** Now at Levante, you’re fighting against relegation. What’s the mood like?
**A:** It’s a tough situation, but a single win can change everything. We have a good group and a clear plan. We know we need to be more consistent, but we believe we can turn things around. The fans have been supportive, and we’re giving everything to stay up. This league is unforgiving, but we’re ready for the fight.
