Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has sent a stark warning to those who put pressure on one of his teammates.
The Gunners signed the Spaniard permanently in the summer from Brentford, seeing his initial loan amount to a long-term contract.
Mikel Arteta made the bold decision to axe Aaron Ramsdale in favour of Raya at the beginning of the 2023/24 campaign, a call that was widely debated.
Just over a year down the line, the Arsenal manager’s call is no longer quarrelled, with the goalkeeper thriving at the Emirates as Arteta’s firm number one.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya stands firm with verdict on teammate
Raya’s impact at Arsenal this season so far has been remarkable, producing world-class save after world-class save to earn high praise.
It’s not only domestically that the shot-stopper has been recognised as one of the best, being a starter for Spain in their Nations League clash with Denmark.
- READ MORE: Spain’s media make serious claim about Arsenal’s David Raya after ‘impeccable’ display vs Denmark
Raya will be eager to cement his spot as number one in Luis de la Fuente’s side, with one game remaining for the Euro 2024 champions in the October international break.
Whilst on duty, the Arsenal ‘keeper faced the media, where he sent a stern warning to the footballing world in protection of his teammate Lamine Yamal.
“He’s a 17-year-old boy that we all know has been touched by a magic wand. He’s a genius being able to do what he does being 17, even 16 years old when he arrived.
“He’s too much of a player. Everyone can see he’s something else. I understand you want to compare him with other players, but I don’t think you should do that,” Raya warned.
The 29-year-old showed great support for the Barcelona sensation, who has become one of the poster boys of European football after his remarkable arrival on the senior scene.
“Let’s just let him enjoy football,” Raya said to reporters.
“He’s very young and still needs to settle. He’s at the top now but he still needs to experience the hard times that come to all of us, and that’s when he’ll need our support.”
Arsenal have an assured figure in Raya
Admittedly, Raya had some doubters during his first season at the Emirates, however, any reservations over the Spaniard have been ousted.
The goalkeeper is far more than just an experienced shot-stopper, rising as a dominating and commanding figure in the box and a reliable leader on the pitch.
It’s refreshing to see players standing up for each other at a time when media presence can be pressing on budding careers, with youngsters like Yamal needing to be celebrated rather than compared to others.
Raya’s maturity is evident in play and away from the spotlight, as was evident in the former Brentford man’s support for Yamal.
Arsenal will have no regrets in their decision to replace Ramsdale with the Spaniard, who has reached a new level this season.
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