There was a lot of scepticism when David Raya signed for Arsenal on a loan deal last season. With Aaron Ramsdale already established as a quality goalkeeper, many questioned the necessity of the signing. However, a year later, Raya has proven his worth, emerging as the clear first-choice goalkeeper for Arsenal and an integral member of the team.
The Spaniard was instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign last season, starting 32 games and achieving a league-high 16 clean sheets, which earned him the Premier League Golden Glove. His impressive performances led to Arsenal triggering his £27 million buy clause.
Sweeper keeper David Raya
While Ramsdale is undoubtedly an excellent keeper, there were aspects of his game that Mikel Arteta found concerning. His lapses in concentration were a particular worry and not a trait you want in a top-level goalkeeper. Additionally, Ramsdale tended to stay rooted to his goal line, uneager to claim crosses or engage in build-up play.
In contrast, Raya has been an upgrade in these areas, perfectly embodying the qualities Arteta wants in a goalkeeper. The Spaniard has been more aggressive, especially when dealing with crosses and passing out from the back. Raya credits his former goalkeeping coach at Brentford, Iñaki Caña, for changing his style.
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“He has changed my style of being a goalkeeper,” Raya said in an interview with Sky Sports. “When I signed for Brentford, Iñaki just completely changed my style of being a goalkeeper, to be more proactive and anticipate stuff that has not happened yet.
“So, if you can go for a cross, just go for it. Don’t wait for the save. Instead, avoid the chance. For balls in behind and all that, stay high as much as possible to be able to cut out the attack.”
This approach was evident last season, where he claimed 12.2% of crosses, significantly higher than the 6.8% league average. Additionally, by claiming crosses, Raya was able to initiate quick counterattacks with his throws and long kicks. The 28-year-old created seven such chances last season, more than any other goalkeeper, with no one else creating more than two.
An extra man in the build up
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“I love it,” Raya said. “It’s one of the parts of being a goalkeeper I enjoy the most, especially playing for Arsenal. We need that extra player to get that security straight from the back.
“I love being part of the build-up, being part of trying to create goals and to create attacks. It’s fun. I enjoy the challenge. I know there are going to be mistakes and goals conceded because of it, because that’s the way we play. But that’s the risk that we take, and that’s the risk that the manager wants us to take. The benefit is bigger than the risk, I think.”
Having now signed permanently, Raya will be crucial in Arsenal’s hunt for silverware this season.
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David Raya is arguably the best goal keeper in the league ughh 😮💨pic.twitter.com/YG5ZeoqLsU
— MALO⚡️ (@afcmalo_) August 13, 2024
