“`html
David Raya has kept seven clean sheets in the Champions League this season
David Raya is considered by some to be among the world’s finest goalkeepers, Arsenal team-mates among those holding him in high regard.
The Gunners’ shot-stopper delivered a series of crucial saves in their recent 1-0 Champions League victory over Sporting, a match sealed by a late winner from Kai Havertz.
It’s not often a team leading the Premier League and advancing in European competition boasts a goalkeeper in contention for player of the year honors, but Raya’s contributions warrant consideration.
The Spanish international has recorded 22 clean sheets in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, with his latest coming at a pivotal moment for his club.
Arsenal entered their match against Sporting following consecutive defeats for the first time this season, amplifying pressure and speculation surrounding Mikel Arteta’s squad before the Lisbon fixture.
Notably, Raya was absent from both those losses, as Arteta opted for cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in defeats against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Arteta’s decision to start Kepa in the final against City faced scrutiny after the loss, with the back-up goalkeeper’s error leading to Pep Guardiola’s side’s opening goal.
Consequently, Arsenal‘s wait for a major trophy since 2020 continues.
However, Raya’s performance against Sporting underscored his status as the Gunners’ undisputed number one.
“Unbelievable” was how match-winner Kai Havertz described Raya to Amazon Prime.
“I think [he is] still underestimated in the world of football but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world.
“He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
Raya leads all goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues in clean sheets, with his 22 across all competitions four more than Inter’s Yann Sommer.
The former Brentford goalkeeper has established himself as a key figure at Arsenal, holding a place in the team’s leadership group.
He made a crucial save to deny Maxi Araujo early in Tuesday’s match, tipping a powerful strike onto the crossbar, and followed up with three late saves to preserve the tie before Havertz’s decisive goal.
“It’s something that I’m there for. I’m trying to help the team as much as possible in any single action, not just defending but commanding and on the ball,” Raya told Amazon Prime.
The clean sheet marked Raya and Arsenal‘s seventh in the Champions League this season, the most of any goalkeeper and team in the competition.
“That’s something we’ve worked on a lot. It’s so important for us, those clean sheets make it easier to win games. It showed tonight, scoring in the last minute and keeping that clean sheet decides those type of games,” Raya said.
The goalkeeper’s agility and reflexes are complemented by other impressive facets of his game.
Raya is entrusted with significant responsibility in possession, and his passing range and decision-making enhance Arsenal‘s attacking capabilities.
“That’s the evolution of the game,” Arteta said. “The keeper in the last few years has changed and evolved rapidly, and the amount of things that we ask him to do, it’s a lot.
“But many positions have very similar situations and demands right now, and the players have to adapt to that.
“Apart from the qualities of David, the courage, the will to do certain things, that’s when you can reach another level.”
However, the Gunners boss remained noncommittal on whether he believes Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world.
“He’s extraordinary, magnificent, incredible,” Arteta said. “I don’t know the right adjective. We are so happy to have him.”
Raya has recorded 15 clean sheets in 31 Premier League matches this season, the most in the division.
He shared the Golden Glove trophy with Nottingham Forest‘s Matz Sels in 2024-25 – but Arsenal will hope that if Raya lifts that personal accolade again, it will mean they have secured silverware as a team too.
Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views
Ask about Arsenal – what do you want to know?
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser
“`