It’s been quite the start to the season for David Raya, who made his 100th appearance for Arsenal on matchday four.
The occasion was marked in style, as Raya produced a remarkable save against Nottingham Forest to earn another clean sheet.
In Arsenal’s opening four Premier League games, the goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets, conceding just one goal.
The Spaniard has already enjoyed so much success since signing for Arsenal in 2023, but his rise wouldn’t have happened had things ended differently with Aaron Ramsdale.
David Raya praises Aaron Ramsdale’s impact at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta didn’t hesitate to drop Ramsdale for Raya after signing the shot-stopper from Brentford.
Before that, the England international was Arteta’s firm number one, but Raya rocked up and rapidly turned the narrative around.
Though Arsenal haven’t looked back since offloading Ramsdale, the Englishman is still a player on Raya’s mind.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Athletic Club in the Champions League, Raya praised Ramsdale while reflecting on his time at the club.
“When I came to Arsenal, there was a lot of noise, there was a lot of talk outside, and it’s understandable,” Raya said.
“Having Aaron, he’s a hell of a ‘keeper, and from nowhere, it gets changed.”
Arteta was questioned for his no-nonsense handling of the goalkeeper situation, with so much attention on Raya when he first signed for Arsenal as a result.
“Obviously, the media is going to be noisy, and there were a few games where I could’ve done better,” Raya continued.
“Everyone has bad games, and the noise just started getting bigger, so I just had to focus on myself and what I could control.”
Just one year after Raya’s arrival from Brentford, Arsenal cashed in on Ramsdale, selling him to Southampton for £25m.
Raya and Ramsdale both face World Cup conundrum
While Raya goes from strength to strength, Ramsdale is facing a real battle at Newcastle United, joining the Magpies on loan for the season from the Saints.
It was always going to be a struggle to usurp Nick Pope, but there’s added pressure in that time is running out for Ramsdale to prove himself in time for the 2026 World Cup.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper is yet to be called up by Thomas Tuchel, which isn’t good news ahead of the tournament next summer.
It’s not only Ramsdale who finds himself up against it ahead of the World Cup, as Raya is also facing a selection battle.
While the 30-year-old will undoubtedly go to the tournament with Luis de la Fuente’s side, he’s not his manager’s first choice, with Unai Simon having that honour at present.
The season ahead is crucial for both players to change their status at international level, with Raya certainly in a more advantageous position than Ramsdale.
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