David Raya believes a member of Arsenal’s squad has a better first touch than Lamine Yamal.
The Gunners have built an exceptional roster full of talented players in every position in recent years, bolstered significantly over the summer as Andrea Berta spent in excess of £250 million.
This investment is clearly paying dividends so far this season, as Mikel Arteta’s side sit a point clear at the top of the Premier League table after seven matches.
One of the new summer arrivals has played a crucial role in this early-season form, and Raya has now heaped praise on this individual.
David Raya says Martin Zubimendi has the best first touch in the current Spain squad
Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi for £55 million during the summer.
The 26-year-old has slotted seamlessly into the Gunners’ midfield, forming a promising relationship with Declan Rice in the early weeks of the campaign.
Zubimendi is one of 18 senior Arsenal players on international duty this week, as he, Raya and Mikel Merino prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria.
Speaking to TNTSportsMex on Friday, Raya praised his new Gunners teammate, claiming that the former Real Sociedad man has the best first touch in the current Spain squad, better than Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal.
“Best first touch?” the interviewer posed to Raya.
“Errr, Zubimendi,” the goalkeeper responded, with little hesitation.
Zubimendi has been described as ‘special’ in the past, and if he even has one technical attribute that is superior to Yamal, then this description is certainly accurate.
David Raya says Mikel Merino has the best mentality in the Spain squad
Raya was clearly keen to advocate for his Arsenal teammates when asked these quick-fire questions.
Tasked with picking the player with the best mentality and discipline in this stacked Spain squad, the shot-stopper cited Merino.
Given that serial winners Dani Carvajal, Rodri, and Aymeric Laporte are part of Luis de la Fuente’s latest ensemble, this is praise that Merino will certainly be delighted with.
The Spaniards can all but secure their place at next summer’s World Cup with victories over Georgia and Bulgaria in the coming days.
They’ll certainly be one of the favourites heading to North America, given the illustrious set of options that De la Fuente has at his disposal.
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