Ryan: Aaron is even better than I thought

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

No one knows Aaron Mooy better than his fellow Australian and Albion teammate Maty Ryan.

Bruce Talbot

2020-01-01T06:00:00Z

Maty Ryan and Aaron Mooy.

But Ryan says the quality of Mooy’s midfield performances since he joined Albion at the start of the season on loan from Huddersfield have surprised even himself.

Mooy, 29, produced a man of the match performance and also scored his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth four days ago, and will be looking for a repeat when Albion kick off 2020 against Chelsea at the Amex on New Year’s Day this afternoon.

“Football-wise, he has surpassed my expectations,” said Ryan.

“I knew he was a good player, but when you work with him it on a daily basis you see how good a player he is.

“He’s very clear in what he needs to be doing and his role in the team. He’s very effective at implanting this on game day and he’s getting the accolades he deserves at the moment.

“The coaching staff deserve recognition for getting the best out of Aaron as well. It’s a combination that is working well. He’s been used in different roles and positions, along with Steven Alzate, Dan Burn and Solly March. The more versatility you have individually is only going to increase your chances of playing in the team. It also gives the manager the best kind of headache.”

Aaron Mooy and Maty Ryan.

Ryan also believes his Socceroos’ team-mate has benefited from a happy life off the field too.

“He’s much more settled,” added Ryan. “His family are with him and his extended family have been here from Australia for the festive period.

“He’s very much a family man. Once he’s completed what he needs to do at the club he’s straight off to see his wife and children. I’ve got to know him a bit more since he came here and have come to realise how much of a family man he is. He’s relaxed and settled, and I think it’s reflected in his performances.”