Spain manager Luis De La Fuente has heaped praise on one Arsenal player expected to be named in his World Cup squad.
De La Fuente is set to announce his squad on Monday 25 May, and could name as many as four Arsenal players.
Martin Zubimendi has been a key figure in the Gunners’ title-winning midfield, while Mikel Merino has just returned to training after four months out with a foot injury, making a late push for inclusion.
They also have David Raya, of course, who won the Premier League Golden Glove for the third consecutive season, and is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in England.
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Speaking on Mario’s Path, the podcast hosted by former Spain midfielder Mario Suarez, De La Fuente heaped praise on the Arsenal goalkeeper.
“People only talk about Joan García and Unai [Simon], and David Raya is the least-conceding goalkeeper in Europe,” he said.
“What’s tragic is that people don’t talk about David Raya out of ignorance. That’s the real problem.
“We can debate liking one goalkeeper more than another. I’ve said in interviews that, in my opinion, six of the ten best goalkeepers in the world are Spanish.
“Unai Simon, the ones at Madrid, the ones with us. David Raya, Alex Remiro, Joan Garcia and Robert Sanchez.”
Notably, he doesn’t mention Kepa Arrizabalaga, also of Arsenal. His inclusion in the squad is highly unlikely, given the fact he hasn’t featured for Spain since 2023.
Spain manager says David Raya is one of the top five goalkeepers in the world
De La Fuente went further on Raya, placing him firmly among the world’s elite.
“It’s unfair that David isn’t recognised for the footballing ability he has. Because, in my opinion, he’s one of the five best goalkeepers in the world. Yes, absolutely.”
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All that praise, but Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao has long been the number one, with Barcelona’s Joan Garcia — who was wanted by Arsenal last summer — also ahead of Raya in the pecking order.
But given Raya’s standout performances for Arsenal this season, De La Fuente will need to rethink that for the World Cup.
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