Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was in action for Spain in their Nations League victory over Switzerland.
Raya started for Spain in their Nations League duel with Switzerland, where his side won 4-1 in a performance led by Fabian Ruiz.
There were several standout performers on the night, with the main thing from an Arsenal perspective being that the goalkeeper got through the international break without injury.
It was a good test for Raya to spread his wings at international level after starting the 2024/25 campaign in stellar fashion back in North London.
Spanish media react to David Raya’s performance against Switzerland
While Spain dominated in the goal department, it wasn’t as comfortable of a game that Euro 2024 winners would have liked.
Switzerland dominated possession and fired more shots on Raya’s goal than Spain did in Gregor Kobel’s direction but of course, the scoreline spoke the loudest.
Raya played a significant role in his nation only conceding one goal, pulling off a series of impressive saves to deny the threat of the hosts.
Spanish media reacted to the Arsenal shot-stopper’s display, calling the 28-year-old’s presence ‘reliable’.
Marca were responsible for such comment, handing Raya an 8/10 match rating and capping off their evaluation of his performance by saying:
“He was reliable in the air to block or clear everything that came through his area of impact. Great game from the Arsenal goalkeeper.”
Raya also received high praise from El Diario Vasco, not only for his saves but for his distribution, being hailed for the ‘formidable’ pass he played in the build up to Ruiz’s second goal.
AS joined the celebration of Raya’s performance, saying that the Arsenal man has something that makes ‘good goalkeepers even greater’.
“First game in which he had to really work. He did it well and, in addition, it was clear that he has something that makes good goalkeepers even greater: luck.
“A violent shot crashed into the crossbar and helped him. He made a great save in the 40th minute. He has a very powerful set-piece kick, from more than 70 meters.”
Raya has raised the bar at Arsenal this season
The 2023/24 campaign was a difficult time for both Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, as the Spaniard was placed under the microscope after usurping the now Southampton shot-stopper.
There remained a sense of anxiety following Raya’s first season at the Emirates although, his start to the 2024/25 campaign has ousted any doubt.
It’s been a stellar start to the new Premier League calendar for the Arsenal ace, whose performance levels have been merited by him receiving two save of the month nominations in August.
Now, Raya’s form is spilling onto the international stage, seeing the 28-year-old go from strength to strength after making his loan from Brentford permanent this summer.
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