Arsenal hail David Raya as world’s best goalkeeper after Sporting victory
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has been praised as the best in the world by his teammates following a commanding performance against Sporting in Lisbon.
The Spanish international returned to the starting lineup to secure a crucial 1-0 victory with a series of sublime saves on Tuesday night.
His composed style of play has transformed the North London club and firmly cemented his status as an indispensable asset in their pursuit of silverware.
Underestimated on the global stage
The 30-year-old was named player of the match after decisively tipping Maxi Araujo’s powerful strike onto the crossbar.
He also demonstrated exceptional tactical awareness by quickly rushing off his line to sweep up dangerous balls played over the defence.
German forward Kai Havertz was quick to laud the former Brentford stopper after the final whistle.
“Unbelievable,” Havertz said of Raya. “I think he is still underestimated in the world of football.”
“For me, in the last two seasons, he is the best keeper in the world,” Havertz added. “He’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
Arteta’s unwavering faith
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed his number one unequivocally ever since he controversially replaced Aaron Ramsdale.
The Gunners boss struggled to find enough superlatives to describe his goalkeeper’s vital contribution in Portugal.
“He’s extraordinary, magnificent, incredible,” Arteta explained. “I don’t know the right adjective, but we are so happy to have him.”
The entire defensive unit visibly operates with increased confidence when the two-time Golden Glove winner is stationed between the posts.
Leadership on and off the pitch
The shot-stopper’s bravery in claiming high crosses allows the backline to safely push significantly higher up the pitch.
He never looks ruffled when stepping outside of his penalty area, offering a stark contrast to the rash errors seen by other top-flight goalkeepers in recent domestic cup finals.
Raya also serves within the club’s core leadership group and was trusted to handle a tense pre-match press conference.
Despite facing tough questions about a recent dip in team form, he calmly dismissed suggestions from Sporting manager Rui Borges that the English side were a “wounded beast”.
With a third consecutive Golden Glove award looking highly probable, a deserved inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year surely beckons for the commanding Spaniard.
