David Raya has been one of Arsenal’s best performers this season, and he is enjoying an extended run with his National Team.
An injury to usual Spain number one Unai Simon has meant that Raya has been called upon for the Euro 2024 winners, and the Arsenal star is aiming to make this starting spot his own.
Spain are on an incredible unbeaten run spanning 15 games, and they put Denmark to the sword in a 2-1 victory in Copenhagen, with goals coming from Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez.
Raya’s overall performance was terrific, and he made several crucial saves to secure the win for Spain, but Denmark’s goal came through a calamitous error at the back.
Spain’s media have now given their verdict on Raya’s display, and have noted the positives of his performance as well as Gustav Isaksen’s consolation goal for Denmark.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya praised for performance in Denmark vs Spain despite error
In the final 10 minutes of the 90, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz set Raya up to fail with a misplaced backpass, which put the Arsenal goalkeeper under pressure in his own box.
Raya had the ball at his feet under serious pressure from Isaksen, who managed to slam the ball in the back of the net, with questions being raised over who was more at fault for Spain.
The Spanish media have praised Raya’s performance, and have also claimed that the Arsenal-linked Fabian Ruiz was more to blame for the goal.
Marca gave Raya a 7.5/10 rating overall, and praised aspects of his display.
“He put his hand in to clear the first corner kick of the meeting. Without many complications in the first time. with authority on the air balls,” they stated of Raya after the first half.
“After a grizzly mistake by Fabian… another big mistake from Raya. Fabian passed it to Raya without seeing that he was for Isaksen, Raya tried to haggle the striker and without time to react the goal arrived (it was more Fabian’s…). Big save in the final stage of the match to prevent Denmark equalling the scoreboard.”
Sport gave Raya a 6/10 rating, but also noted that Ruiz was more to blame for the mistake than Raya.
“He showed plenty of safety on the balls. Ready on their quick plunders to mount the backlash. A poor transfer from Fabian caused him to fit a goal in the final minutes. Saved the tie on the discount,” they stated.
David Raya’s sensational season for Arsenal and Spain
Raya ended the last campaign in outstanding form, but he has reached a new level this season, despite Arsenal’s defence suffering from countless absences across the back line.
The 29-year-old is excelling with the ball at his feet as well as when it comes to stopping shots. Raya’s double penalty save against Atalanta was a particularly memorable moment, and his consistency across the season so far has been remarkable.
Mikel Arteta was criticised over the decision to sign Raya from Brentford, but he has been truly vindicated, and the goalkeeper will hope that his performances have been enough to keep the number one spot for Spain.
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