The man from Down Under came of age during the Premier League season, but faces the sternest of tests in Russia
They say size does matter, but when it comes to six foot tall Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan, the phrase just doesn't stick.
The 26-year-old is the Premier League's smallest shot stopper, yet he stood tall for newly-promoted Brighton and Hove Albion as the club avoided relegation when many thought they would go down.
A famous 1-0 victory against Manchester United on May 4 secured the Seagulls' top flight status for next season, with Ryan getting his 10th clean sheet for the campaign - ranking him seventh for shut outs in the league.