There is no debate surrounding David Raya’s status as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.
However, when Arsenal initially signed the Spaniard on loan, there were doubts over whether it was even necessary to bring him to the Emirates Stadium when Aaron Ramsdale was already performing.
During his first few months in North London, David Raya had a few hiccups in between the sticks, which did not do much do quieten the debate around whether he should have ousted Ramsdale in the first place.
But as Ben Foster stated, Raya is top-draw for Arsenal and has been quietly brilliant for a while now.
Mikel Arteta noted Raya being assured in goal as well and the club’s decision to sign him has looked like a masterstroke over time.
People at Arsenal questioned if David Raya was an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale
Whether it be as a shotstopper or in possession, Raya does not leave much to be desired.
As a character as well, the former Brentford number one is a calming presence in between the sticks.
The 29-year-old’s influence is becoming a top of conversation, with Kevin Nolan singling Raya out for elevating Arsenal singlehandedly.
But journalist James Benge has revealed on Charles Watts’ YouTube channel that when Arsenal had their sights on set signing Raya, most figures within the club questioned whether he would be an upgrade on Ramsdale: “It’s just natural debate and conversation about who is the best player for this position and sometimes, the recruitment department are talked ’round by other members of staff.”
However, Mikel Arteta and goalkeeping Inaki Cana always backed the move.
“I remember that with David Raya, I was told all along, the recruitment department were like, ‘We don’t really think David Raya is much of an upgrade on Aaron Ramsdale. Inaki Cana and Mikel Arteta said we do! They went for it and they may have been vindicated there.”
What Mikel Arteta said David Raya is so good at that “you don’t see”
Ultimately, Arteta has been proven right and so has Cana about Raya. But Mikel Arteta lauded Raya last year for preventing goals, which is something he claimed many do not notice and a facet of his game that may perhaps be why Arsenal signed him in the first place.
“What I like about David, as well is what he does in goal. The things that he prevents us from, you don’t even see because they don’t happen, because he has anticipated them.”
But yeah, obviously he had the environment that was very challenging. But that’s what I love about him. The players with the courage and the character and personality. When even it is like this, they want to be themselves and they push themselves to do that. He has earned the right to be very respected and I’m really happy that he’s winning.”
Raya is the embodiment of a world-class modern-day goalkeeper and he deserves immense amounts of credit for blocking out all the noise and proving his class.
