Graham Stack says ‘outstanding’ Arsenal player has completely proven him wrong

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Arsenal suffered a second consecutive defeat in their pre-season preparations.

Arsenal were defeated 3-2 by Villarreal in a game where Viktor Gyokeres was handed his full debut in front of the home supporters.

Mikel Arteta will be disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded, his side were too passive in their defending and need to sharpen up ahead of the opening day clash at Old Trafford.

However, it was another chance for the squad to get more minutes under their belts and former goalkeeper Graham Stack has highlighted one player in particular that continues to surprise him with his performances.

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Graham Stack believes David Raya has been ‘outstanding’ for Arsenal

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Gunners goalkeeper Stack has been full of praise for current number one David Raya since his arrival from Brentford.

Under Arsene Wenger, Stack made five appearances for the club and has revealed that Raya has completely proven him wrong after his £30m transfer.

Stack stated: “And I think Raya has, you know, I was a little bit unsure when Arsenal signed Raya and I’d seen him at Blackburn, I’d seen him at Brentford.

“I was always, I always liked him, but was never too sure if he could, if he fitted that stage of being Arsenal’s number one. And I’ve got to say, I think he’s been outstanding.

“I think he’s been absolutely brilliant for the club. Seems to have a great temperament for the game. I mean, some of the saves he’s made last year were just out of this world.”

Raya won the Golden Glove award last season, the second consecutive season the Spaniard has kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League.

He has become an integral part of Arsenal’s defence and will have to be at his best once again this upcoming campaign if the Gunners are to end their six-year trophy drought.

David Raya cannot lose concentration this season at Arsenal

There have been one or two shaky moments beginning to creep into Raya’s game and a big reason why his predecessor Aaron Ramsdale lost his place to the Spaniard was down to lapses in concentration.

Raya has looked nervy during the pre-season campaign so far, he was involved in a mix-up with Myles Lewis-Skelly that led to the only goal in the defeat to Spurs.

Whilst none of the goals against Villarreal were directly his fault, he will not be happy with conceding three goals at home.

Unlike previous seasons, Raya now has some serious competition for his place in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

He will need to ensure that these mistake are kept to a minimum and should be targeting yet another Golden Glove award to give his side the solid foundations for success this season.