Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was afforded the opportunity to start for his country last night.
David Raya earned his eighth international cap as he started between the sticks for Spain in their 4-1 Nations League triumph over Switzerland.
Raya has made an impressive start to the new campaign for club and country. The shot-stopper signed for Arsenal on a permanent basis earlier this summer, having been at the Emirates Stadium on loan last season.
His permanent switch to North London looks to have given Raya an enormous confidence boost. Raya has impressed for Arsenal in the early weeks of this season, and has carried that good form into the international arena.
Mikel Arteta’s faith in the 28-year-old has now been justified. The challenge now facing Raya is to maintain his current form, and seek to establish himself as Spain’s No. 1, just as he has managed to for the Gunners.
Arsenal fans hail David Raya after Spain display
Arsenal fans on X are delighted with the form Raya has produced of late, and are pleased to see him impressing for his country.
One said: “I watched all 90 mins and was impressed . It’s a great quality that he inspires calmness in the team’s defence and doesn’t panic . Today the situation was tense and he was cool .”
Another stated: “He’s a very good GK.”
One fan insisted: “His focus and intelligence is very important and is reading of the game.”
Another dubbed Raya an: “Elite goalie.”
What David Raya brings to Arsenal
Not only is Raya an adept shot-stopper, and excellent at claiming crosses into his box, the manner in which he commands his own penalty area also reassures the defenders in front of him. They can all trust the goalkeeper to take care of and protect his own territory.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba are praised and held aloft as the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League, and quite rightly, but their relationship with Raya, the trust they have in him, and the effectiveness of their communication is what allows the duo to shine so brightly.
The goalkeeper has shown great character in his fight for this prominent role at Arsenal. Usurping the popular Aaron Ramsdale created a pressure of its own, and Arteta was criticised for backing Raya at times.
Ultimately, though, he came through these tests and is now reaping the rewards.
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