Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya caused enormous controversy when it first happened.
The Arsenal manager insisted at the time that he viewed both goalkeepers as genuine number ones and refused to clearly label either player as the backup.
That approach was criticised heavily by pundits and supporters, many of whom believed it would create instability and unnecessary pressure.
Now, Raya himself has admitted that he eventually realised a team simply cannot function with two first-choice goalkeepers competing at the same time, which strongly contradicts his manager’s previous stance.
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David Raya admits he disagreed with Mikel Arteta’s two first-choice goalkeepers situation
David Raya arrived at Arsenal knowing he was stepping into a very difficult situation.
Aaron Ramsdale was hugely popular among supporters, loved inside the dressing room and had played a major role in Arsenal’s rise under Arteta.
That immediately placed enormous pressure on the Spaniard every single time he stepped onto the pitch.
Things became even more difficult after Raya produced a poor display against Luton Town, despite Arsenal winning the game.
The goalkeeper has now admitted that was the moment he truly understood the scale of the scrutiny surrounding the situation.
Raya also revealed that he quickly realised the idea of having two number-one goalkeepers competing for one spot was not sustainable, which is the complete opposite of what Arteta believed.
Speaking about that difficult period, Raya said, as per Mundo Deportivo: “I arrived at a club with a number one goalkeeper, which was Aaron Ramsdale, very loved by the fans, by the teammates, by the staff… a tremendous goalkeeper, a top goalkeeper.
“At the start, I went out to play, to enjoy myself, and then there comes a moment where I don’t have a good match, against Luton, which I think is the worst match of my career. Even though we won 3-4, I wasn’t good. That’s when I realise the magnitude of everything behind it.
“Even though I’m not someone who looks at social media or reads much press, I realise everything, that you can’t have two number one goalkeepers.”
Raya is right, Arteta’s judgement at the time was wrong, and unsurprisingly, it failed.
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David Raya has proved Mikel Arteta was right to choose him over Aaron Ramsdale
While the handling of the situation was controversial, Arteta’s decision itself now looks completely justified.
Ramsdale has struggled badly since leaving Arsenal and is currently Newcastle United’s second-choice goalkeeper.
Raya, meanwhile, has developed into arguably the best goalkeeper in world football.
The Spaniard has been extraordinary this season and has played a massive role in Arsenal reaching the Champions League final while also leading the Premier League title race.
His composure, distribution and consistency have elevated Arsenal to another level.
Looking back now, Arteta was absolutely right to back Raya as his long-term number one.
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