Arsenal Football Club has long been home to legendary players across all positions, and the goalkeeping role is no exception. David Raya, one of the latest additions to Arsenal’s squad, is proving himself as a standout.

Since his arrival, he’s captured the attention of fans and pundits alike with his calm demeanor, shot-stopping prowess, and ability to distribute the ball with precision.

Each part of Raya’s body provides a chapter in the story of a remarkable journey from futsal-playing teenager to Premier League runner-up and Golden Glove winner.

What makes David Raya a stand-out goalkeeper?

David Raya is an excellent shot -stopper.

One of the most critical skills for any goalkeeper is the ability to stop shots, and Raya excels in this area. With lightning reflexes and a keen sense of positioning, Raya has consistently demonstrated his ability to pull off game-saving stops. Most famous are the Spaniard’s giant hands, which are so crucial to his exceptional shot-stopping.

Some of his saves have had his Arsenal Mikel Arteta admit to being the best he (Arteta) has seen in his career, describing the Spaniard as “unbelievable”.

Whether facing close-range strikes or long-range screamers, his agility and decision-making have proven invaluable for the Arsenal backline.

Elite ball distribution.

In today’s game, a goalkeeper needs to do more than just save shots; they must also contribute to the team’s overall strategy. David Raya shines in this regard. His ball-playing ability is one of his standout features. Raya’s distribution once prompted former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to suggest the goalkeeper could “wear the No 10 shirt”.

His passing accuracy allows Arsenal to build from the back, maintaining possession and launching attacks with precision. This modern goalkeeping skill fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s system, where ball retention and quick transitions are key and the catalyst behind Arsenal’s dangerous high-speed attacks from the back in 2023/24.

Command in the penalty area.

Raya’s ability to command his penalty area instills confidence in Arsenal’s defense. He is assertive when dealing with crosses and set pieces, often coming off his line to punch or catch the ball in dangerous situation.

Raya’s reconstructed nose serves as a permanent testament to his unwavering resilience after suffering a horrific facial injury early in his career.

Raya’s command of his area was evident in Arsenal’s opening fixture in the 2023/2024 Champions League match against Atalanta with his agility being described by Atalanta’s boss as akin to those of a cat.

“He’s a cat,” said Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini. “The first save is good but the rebound is unbelievable. I believe the goalkeeper has been crucial.”

Experience in England.

Having already played in the Premier League with Brentford, David Raya brought with him a wealth of experience when he joined Arsenal. This experience is invaluable, as the Premier League is widely regarded as one of the toughest leagues in the world. Raya’s familiarity with the league’s intensity, physicality, and tactical variety allows him to adjust quickly and perform consistently at a high level.

David Raya had his first England football experience with Blackburn before being loaned out to Southport.Raya made 24 appearances for the club in the 2014/15 season, where he caught the eye with his ball-playing prowess and age-defying commanding presence, almost helping to knock Championship side Derby County out of the FA Cup third round with a string of saves.

International experience

Having helped Brentford secure promotion to the Premier League at the second attempt, Raya then received his first international call-up for Spain in early 2022, just 15 appearances into his top-flight career. His ability to compete at both club and international level solidifies David Raya as a world-class player.

When Mikel Arteta decided to sign Raya on loan at the start of last season, there were sceptics aplenty questioning why the Arsenal manager would seek to replace Aaron Ramsdale, the goalkeeper named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year only months earlier.

Raya’s arrival at Arsenal sparked a healthy competition for the number one jersey, particularly with established goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Raya soon became a constant fixture in the Arsenal squad and even won the Golden Glove for the most clean sheets in the 2023/2024 season. Arsenal exercised their option to sign Raya permanently.

Whether it’s his reliable hands, quick thinking, or precision with the ball at his feet, David Raya is the kind of goalkeeper that can help Arsenal reach new heights.