Ex-Iceland international Arnar Gretarsson pulled rank on former coach Juan Carlos Garrido in his role as Club Brugge's sporting director to bring Ryan to Belgium's Pro League.

Garrido preferred a more experienced option from Spain but Gretarsson's gut instinct paid off handsomely with the 22-year-old former Central Coast Mariners gloveman crowned Belgium’s best keeper in his debut season - as he simultaneously laid his hands on the Socceroos top spot and started all three games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Gretarsson now insists Ryan is unlikely to see out his four-year contract in Belgium - and could be gracing the Premier League, Bundesliga or Primera Liga as soon as next season.

"Last year he was one of Brugge's best players and he has started this year really well also," Gretarsson, 42, who quit Club Brugge last month after two years spearheading its dealings in the transfer market, said.

"I don't see him staying for much longer at Club Brugge. I think he will move to a bigger team, possibly for next season.

"I really believe in him. He's a fantastic athlete and 200 per cent professional. He's always focused on and off the pitch and has fantastic skill with the ball, right and left foot.

"I know he would like to go to the Premier League .... everybody wants to play in that league but I could also see him in the Primera Division or the Bundesliga. He definitely has the quality to play in the big three leagues.

"The key is to pick a team that takes him as No.1, because if you go as a second string and you have a good one in front of you it can be very difficult.

"He’s a keeper who has always played and it's important for him to find a club where he is first choice."

Though Ryan suffered a hiccup in form at the World Cup, he has carried on where he left off in his second season with Brugge.

"Ok, in Brazil it was not the same Mathew Ryan who was playing at Club Brugge ... maybe it was because of nerves," Gretarsson said.

"He is still young of course and maybe he was a little stressed. You always need nerves but if it's too much it can affect your game.

"Some people say that (at 184cm) he's too short to be a top goalkeeper but because of his fitness, quickness and agility he can compensate.

"He is good on the ball and good under pressure. For the better teams in Europe, he would be an interesting option."

Ryan, who heads into Socceroos camp for the October internationals - against United Arab Emirates and Qatar - on Monday after a crucial club clash against Standard Liege, attracted a lot of interest last season from rival clubs.

"When you bring somebody in for €130,000 and they go straight into the first team and excel at a good European club like Brugge people take notice," Gretarsson said.

"When he signed our coach then (Garrido) wanted a much older Spaniard instead but we went against that because we saw something in him.

"The expectations were not super high but he far exceeded what people might have expected and is now following it up in his second year. His development has been a fantastic surprise.

"He’s always alert, always ready and you never catch him sleeping, even when he has not seen the ball for a period of time.

"It would be a bonus for him to do well in the Europa League, which is what's happening now at Brugge. That will make even more people look at the qualities he possesses."

Ryan's agent, former Denmark international Mikkel Beck, said the custodian - who has two seasons left on his deal - was not agitating for a move and talks over an upgraded new deal were ongoing.

"Mat is really happy right now and anything is possible. He has a vital role to play at the club and it's important to stay patient and work every day to get better," he said.

"You see many times players moving on too quickly and not making the right decisions.

"Of course, we know he won't stay at Brugge forever. It's a question of the right move at the right time."