The 24-year-old played 21 games for La Liga last season and has started in the first two games of Valencia's current campaign.

The Socceroo had a short turnaround from La Liga but it didn't stop the glovesman from helping Australia to a 2-0 victory against Iraq in the final phase of the 2018 World Cup Qualification.

“Playing at that level, it’s everyone’s dream to get to that level where you’re playing against the best clubs and players in the world,” Ryan said.

“When I’m playing for a club like Valencia as well, you have to think twice about it sometimes. They’re a powerhouse club in Spain as well, unfortunately in my time there we probably haven’t lived up to that historic stature they’ve had in the past.

“I’m doing my best to help the team get back there and hopefully this year we can take a big step towards that.

“Last year a little bit difficult, somewhat of an adaptive year, going back over there, having a full pre-season with them and being a bit more accustomed to the lifestyle.

“And getting a bit more language under my belt, I’m definitely feeling a lot more comfortable and confident out there with the team. I’m happy to have played two games to start the year, unfortunately we haven’t won, but I think we’re making progress.”

Ryan has been praised for his consistency for both club and country but said he was under no illusions he would have to fight to keep his place in Pako Ayestaran's and Ange Postecoglou’s teams.

Socceroos second choice goalkeeper Mitch Langerak has played the first three games for 2.Bundesliga Stuttgart and Adam Federici is still in contention with Premier League side Bournemouth.

Ryan welcomed the competition from the options Postecoglou had between the sticks.

“Definitely not (a guaranteed position), the boss is very big on that sort of thing, he doesn’t want anyone taking any opportunity for granted,” he said.

“There’s a number of them, Mitch is getting a lot of game time in Germany now, Feders with Bournemouth, he had his chances and all that as well.

“I’m sure he’s going to get his chance this year. It’s all good healthy competition and it’s another thing about Valencia as well, one bad day and it could be enough for you to lose your position and it’s the exact same here.

“We’re all working hard together and obviously just putting the team first and I’m confident with whoever gets caught up on match the day to do their position is going to do their best.”

The Socceroos fly to Abu Dhabi Friday to take on UAE on Wednesday (1.30am AEST) with hot conditions expected.

The UAE upset Japan 2-1 and now sit second in the group on goal difference.

And with Ryan having little to do against Iraq, he said he was ready for an almighty challenge against UAE.

“We don’t want to make any excuses, it’s going to be the same weather for both teams. They’ll probably be a little bit more used to it than us,” he said.

“Sport and life is about overcoming challenges, we’re always preparing ourselves to play in whatever conditions and face whatever challenges whether it would be with the weather.

“Challenges in games and these sort of things, it’s another thing we’ll have to overcome and we’re going to do everything we can to prepare ourselves physically, mentally and tactically for the game.

“Fingers crossed we can give Australia another positive result and get off to the start we planned on having.”