Arsenal star David Raya is among the best goalkeepers in the world right now.
The Spaniard has been outstanding for the Gunners all season and is among the biggest reasons why his side are on top of the Premier League table right now.
Raya faces top-class attackers almost every week in games, but he is kept busy by Arsenal’s brilliant forwards in training too.
One, in particular, makes the goalkeeper sweat more than others – Gabriel Jesus.
Is David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world? If not, who is?
David Raya says Gabriel Jesus is the hardest player to face in Arsenal training
Arsenal have many good attackers in their squad.
Bukayo Saka is regarded as their best by many, while the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are not easy to face either.
However, when David Raya was asked to name the toughest attacker to play against in training every day, he immediately went with Gabriel Jesus.
He said on Sky Sports: “I would say probably Gabi Jesus because he’s so technical.
“He can do anything inside the box. He can chop, he can chip you, he can meg you. So, he’s so, so tricky, especially a one-v-one against him. He’s a flair player, he is Brazilian, and he has so much technique.
“So, probably, I would say Gabriel Jesus.”
Gabriel Jesus could still have a big part to play for Arsenal
Jesus made some impressive cameos following his return from injury, but he has dropped down the pecking order again in recent weeks.
Gyokeres and Havertz have been preferred to him, and that may not change until the end of the season.
However, there will still be games where Arsenal will need Jesus’ ability in tight spaces to make a difference. The FA Cup clash against Southampton is one such fixture.
Right now, tell us why you would/wouldn’t offer Gabriel Jesus a new contract
We expect Jesus to play in that game and also get opportunities against other sides when the game is tight and Arsenal need a goal.
That is when the Brazilian will need to step up and deliver for Mikel Arteta.
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