David Raya names the main Arsenal star he has ‘bonded’ well with since joining

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has had a tough start to life at the Emirates, but has lifted the lid on how the squad have welcomed him in.

Raya joined from Brentford in the summer, and there has been plenty of scrutiny over his performances since he usurped Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order.

The Spaniard has made some high-profile errors since Mikel Arteta entrusted him with the number-one spot, but he has started to find his feet, and was impressive in recent games against Brighton and Liverpool.

Raya has now explained what the mood in the Arsenal dressing room is like, and has highlighted Jorginho as a player who he has bonded particularly well with since joining.

David Raya praises Jorginho and Arsenal squad culture

Speaking to official club media, Raya claimed that he was impressed by the culture within the Arsenal squad, and named Jorginho as a player he has connected with well.

“It’s a very very close dressing room, so everybody gets along with everybody,” Raya stated.

“Obviously, you spend more time with the GK union, so it’s a mix of everything, but I’ve bonded really well with everybody and the outfield players, playing against them, like Jorginho and a few others. Everybody has been very welcoming.

“The culture is magnificent,” he added.

“It’s like a big big family, even though the club is that big. You don’t know how big the club is until you get inside but I was very impressed by how the club and everything is run like a big family, especially with the staff and the fans.

“Everybody has a big part to play, no matter if you’re a player, staff or groundsman, it’s a family club.”

Jorginho’s leadership in the Arsenal squad

A surprising moment in Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa at the start of the month was highlighted as Jorginho was spotted giving instructions to Raya from the touchline whilst a substitute.

Jorginho later revealed that he was giving Raya advice on where to direct his goal kicks, and his leadership has been highlighted on several occasions as the veteran has shown why he is highly rated by Arteta.

The Italian has clearly helped Raya settle at the Emirates following his move, and he has been a crucial figure in the dressing room, as well as a fairly reliable performer on the pitch when called upon to slot into midfield alongside Declan Rice.