Mikel Arteta has passionately defended David Raya, describing the Spaniard’s affect at Arsenal as “super” after being closely criticised for signing him two years in the past.
When Arteta sanctioned Raya’s transfer from Brentford in 2023, eyebrows had been raised. Arsenal already had Aaron Ramsdale, who had been signed not lengthy earlier than and had established himself as a fan favorite.
Critics accused Arteta of pointless disruption and questioned the logic behind spending £30 million in complete on one other goalkeeper.
Quick ahead to 2025, and Raya has emphatically silenced these doubts. The 29-year-old has conceded simply 81 objectives in 99 appearances, whereas maintaining an impressive 41 clear sheets.
David Raya has been extremely profitable at Arsenal
That kind has helped him win back-to-back Premier League Golden Glove awards, making him essentially the most statistically profitable goalkeeper in Arsenal’s historical past over his first 100 video games.
Arteta, talking forward of Arsenal’s Premier League conflict with Nottingham Forest, was fast to spotlight simply how exceptional Raya’s numbers are.
When knowledgeable of his goalkeeper’s clear sheet file, the Spaniard interrupted with a smile, as reported by The Metro:
“Fairly good? It’s the most effective within the historical past of the soccer membership! It’s unbelievable. And I used to be hammered once I introduced him!”
He added:
“That’s perspective as properly. When a couple of months or years go by, it’s actually good to look again and replicate. With the assistance of everyone, he’s had an amazing impression on the group. What he’s executed in that interval is an exception.”
Arteta has take the Gunners to a different degree
Raya’s transformation from a questioned signing to an elite Premier League goalkeeper mirrors Arsenal’s personal evolution beneath Arteta. Since returning to the Emirates in 2019, the Spaniard has taken the Gunners from mid-table mediocrity to real title challengers.
Whereas silverware has narrowly eluded them, large signings comparable to Declan Rice, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Martin Odegaard have been integral to Arsenal’s resurgence.
This summer season’s switch window additional confirmed their ambition, with Eberechi Eze, Martín Zubimendi, and Viktor Gyokeres arriving to strengthen the squad.
With Raya marshalling the protection and Arsenal’s backbone strengthened, many imagine this season may lastly be the one the place the Gunners finish their lengthy anticipate main honours.
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