Spanish media deliver their verdicts on David Raya's performance in 4-1 win vs Switzerland
09/09/2024 01:35 AM
Despite his excellent performances for Arsenal since joining in 2023, David Raya is yet to become Spain's number one goalkeeper under Luis de la Fuente.
The Spain manager prefers Athletic Club's Unai Simon to the Arsenal goalkeeper – a decision justified by winning Euro 2024 in some style.
For the foreseeable future it seems as if 28-year-old Raya will have to settle for a backup role, similar to the one Aaron Ramsdale was once playing behind him in north London.
That being said, Simon suffered a significant injury in July, one that will keep him out for around four months according to reports.
Therefore, Raya has been handed a chance in Spain's Nations League fixtures against Serbia and Switzerland over the break.
And after Raya impressed against Serbia, Spanish media have now been reacting to his latest showing in a 4-1 victory away to Granit Xhaka's national team.
David Raya praised for ‘confident’ performance in the air for Spain
Spanish source Marca provided a comprehensive report of both halves of Raya's performance, handing him an 8/10 overall.
They wrote: "He was confident in the air. A free kick hit his crossbar, but the replays showed that he could have got to the ball.
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"David made a great save to prevent Vargas’ goal with another of his trademark dives.
"He was unable to do anything about Amdouni’s goal, who was completely alone on a corner after breaking free from his marker."
Marca then continued regarding his second half showing: "He was reliable in the air to block or clear everything that came through his area of impact.
"Great game from the Arsenal goalkeeper."
Sport then shared similar sentiments, saying that Raya wasn't at fault for the goal Spain conceded and was 'very clever' in his quick distribution for his country's third goal.
Goal then wrote: "A totally positive display in his task of replacing Unai Simon, because he could do nothing with the goal but made great saves and showed a lot of confidence in [claiming] high balls."
Arsenal still need to find Raya’s long-term understudy
Although signing Neto on loan from Bournemouth was a clever decision by Arsenal on deadline day, Edu and his team effectively just delayed their long-term decision.
The Brazilian adds experience and quality to Arsenal's squad, but at 35-years-old he's not going to suddenly challenge Raya.
Arsenal wanted Joan Garcia this summer – interest they may decide to revisit this time next year.
But it seems as if it was a clever decision not to panic late in the window when Espanyol were demanding more than Arsenal were prepared to pay.
Raya is evidently an excellent goalkeeper, and should he not get injured, Mikel Arteta will be more than happy for him to start all of the club’s games.