Spain’s goalkeeping situation has made the national headlines, with David Raya at the centre of the big decision Luis de la Fuente has to make ahead of the World Cup.
Goalkeepers aren’t like outfield players in that, if you’re not first choice, the hunt for game time can be a nightmare.
It’s why it’s so important to be considered number one, which is what Raya did when he usurped Aaron Ramsdale’s position as first-choice after joining Arsenal in 2023.
Mikel Arteta had a tough call to make, but it turned out to be the best one for Arsenal and for Raya, something the shot-stopper will hope De La Fuente will replicate this year.
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David Raya involved in ‘high-profile’ goalkeeping issue ahead of Spain’s March international break
Given that Raya is one of the world’s best goalkeepers, it’s difficult to comprehend that the Arsenal man is not currently Spain’s number one.
For now, that title belongs to Unai Simon of Athletic Club, but things could change very soon.
That’s because, for the March international break, De La Fuente called up four goalkeepers, which is something former Spain goalkeeper Santi Canizares spoke about on the El Partidazo de COPE podcast.
As transcribed by Mundo Deportivo, Canizares described the situation as ‘a very high-profile issue’ in Spain.
“Luis de la Fuente knows this is a very high-profile issue and didn’t want to create a debate about who’s in better form at the end of the season,” he explained.
He then asked, “Why rush things and be the centre of attention this week?”
De La Fuente has Raya, Simon, Alex Remiro and former Arsenal target Joan Garcia to call upon, and it’s unclear who his first choice for the World Cup will be.
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That could become clearer over the March international break, with Canizares giving his verdict on how he’d resolve the dilemma.
“Each one has something that makes them a starter. To be able to decide, I would have to be with them, see them train, and see how each one is doing at this point in the season, both physically and emotionally.”
Though each goalkeeper is doing well at their respective clubs, Raya’s stance only factors in the importance of Arsenal ending the season well.
The chances of leaving a Champions League and Premier League-winning goalkeeper out of Spain’s favoured XI at the World Cup are far less likely than if, say, Garcia had a better season with Barcelona.
As De La Fuente’s high-profile dilemma gets hotter and hotter, watch out for Raya’s participation this month, noting that he hasn’t played for his country since November 2024.
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