David Raya has been discussing his Arsenal teammates, and he was asked about one special talent currently in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
The Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Sunderland wasn’t Raya’s finest moment as the Spanish international made an error which led to Brian Brobbey’s 94th-minute equaliser.
Otherwise, Raya has been world-class for Arsenal this campaign and is quickly becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
He is currently away with the Spanish national team, and the former Brentford star has just named the ‘incredible’ young talent in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
David Raya calls Arsenal’s Max Dowman ‘incredible’
David Raya believes that Arsenal’s Max Dowman is an ‘incredible’ talent, and he has long been impressed by the youngster.
Dowman has really impressed every time he’s featured for Arsenal this season, and the North London club’s Spanish goalkeeper says he’s a joy to watch.
Last week, Dowman became the Champions League’s youngest player, as he came off the bench against Slavia Prague, aged 15 years 308 days.
Raya told ESPN: “He’s 15. He’s turning 16 at the end of the year, and he’s incredible. Obviously, we don’t share that much in the dressing room because he’s not allowed given the rules.
“But sharing the pitch, the maturity that he shows on the pitch, the willingness that he has to just enjoy and to be himself, to take on players and always with a smile on his face, is incredible.
“You know, we’ve been training with him since he was 14 years old. So, very, very impressed with him and his qualities as a player.”
It’s hard not to get too carried away by Dowman’s talent, especially given his age, but Arteta seems intent on just gradually bedding him into the team at the Emirates Stadium.
David Raya picks Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal’s best signing
Raya has picked Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal’s best summer signing, with his compatriot requiring little time to adapt to the Premier League.
Zubimendi was excellent against Sunderland, and his importance to the team was highlighted at the Stadium of Light.
“I think Martin Zubimendi, you know, he’s a player who is very, very clever. He adapted very, very well into the league, where there are a lot of players that it takes a little bit longer to adapt and especially in his role. He’s just adapted so quickly, and you can see what he does for the team,” added Raya.
Zubimendi has also improved Declan Rice, with the midfielder being allowed to push forward into a more advanced number eight role.
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