‘You can tell’… Mikel Arteta says he has seen a real change in £27m Arsenal star recently

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Arsenal have a fantastic squad of players.

The Gunners have challenged for the Premier League title in back-to-back seasons, and despite a slow start this time around, the expectation is that they will be in the race in May.

Mikel Arteta deserves a lot of praise for assembling this squad, and almost every player he has worked with has improved massively.

The Arsenal manager has now had his say on one such player.

Mikel Arteta says he has noticed a difference in Arsenal star David Raya

David Raya initially joined Arsenal from Brentford on a season-long loan deal in 2023.

The Spain international had a difficult start to life as a Gunner. He replaced Aaron Ramsdale after the first international break of the season and there were a few mistakes early on.

All the discussions about his place were clearly affecting Raya, but Arteta backed him and kept him in goal. That has proved to be the right decision.

Raya has been absolutely unbelievable since the turn of 2024, and he has arguably been the Gunners’ player of the season so far this campaign.

In his press conference ahead of the game against Sporting CP, Arteta was asked if he had noticed a difference in Raya’s demeanour this season.

He replied, as per Arsenal.com: “Yes, it’s something natural as well. It takes time to adapt to a new club, to a huge club like ours. Even last season I thought he had a really good season.

“Obviously, now he is more comfortable, he understands the system, he uses the space in the right way.

“You can tell he is more composed, he has got better links with his teammates, and has been in great form.”  

READ MORE: David Raya shares what he really thinks of Viktor Gyokeres amid claims Arsenal want to sign him

David Raya has saved Arsenal’s season

Arsenal haven’t had a great start to the season.

The Gunners have won just six of their first 12 Premier League games, which is not a record you would associate with a team challenging for the title.

However, if Raya wasn’t in goal for Arsenal, Arteta’s side would’ve almost certainly dropped more points than they already have.

The North Londoners remain in with a chance of winning the Premier League title. If they go on and do it, Raya will be one of the biggest reasons behind their success.