Arsenal fans are having a go at Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar for his recent comments on David Raya.
The Dutchman is regarded by many as one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history, so when he has something to say about players in his position, it makes the headlines.
Recently, Van der Sar controversially claimed that Raya is not a world-class goalkeeper, but former Manchester United star Andre Onana is. (ESPN UK)
That, unsurprisingly, angered Arsenal fans, and many think a key stat is the reason why that comment was made.
Is David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world? If not, who is?
Arsenal fans think Edwin van der Sar is ‘jealous’ of David Raya
David Raya completed 100 appearances for Arsenal recently, and he kept 43 clean sheets in those games.
That is the same number of clean sheets Van der Sar managed in his first 100 games for Manchester United. (LiveScore)
Seeing that, Arsenal fans have concluded that Van der Sar is jealous of Raya, which is why he refused to name the Gunners’ number one as a world-class goalkeeper.
One supporter said after seeing the above stat: “Yet Edwin van der Sar said Raya isn’t world-class, but Onana is. It’s envy.”
Another tweeted: “Is this why you said he’s not world-class? Jealous much!”
“No wonder Van der Sar was rattled and rated Onana over Raya. He knows his records will soon be smashed,” wrote another.
Another fan commented: “I see now, no wonder he ranked ONANA as world class. Van der Sar is salty.”
“Now we know why he was salty and chose Onana as world-class,” tweeted another.
Current David Raya or prime Edwin van der Sar – who’s the better goalkeeper?
David Raya could become Arsenal’s greatest-ever goalkeeper
When you think about who Arsenal’s greatest-ever goalkeeper is, David Seaman and Jens Lehmann immediately come to mind.
If you’re a bit older, club legends Bob Wilson and Pat Jennings are also two goalkeepers you would associate with that title.
Raya is nowhere near those players yet because he hasn’t won anything. However, that could change in the coming months.
Arsenal are the favourites to win the Champions League and Premier League, and Raya will play a key part in both competitions.
If he helps the Gunners win both titles and adds a few more in the coming years, we think he will end his Arsenal career as the club’s greatest-ever goalkeeper.
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