Raya has stored probably the most clear sheets of any goalkeeper in Europe’s high 5 leagues, along with his 22 throughout all competitions 4 away from Inter’s Yann Sommer.
The previous Brentford goalkeeper has turn out to be a giant presence at Arsenal and is a part of the workforce’s management group.
He made a significant save to disclaim Maxi Araujo early on in Tuesday’s match, tipping a thumping strike on to the crossbar earlier than making three saves late on to maintain the tie degree earlier than Havertz’s winner.
“It is one thing that I am there for. I am making an attempt to assist the workforce as a lot as potential in any single motion, not simply defending however commanding and on the ball,” Raya informed Amazon Prime.
The clear sheet was Raya and Arsenal‘s seventh within the Champions League this season – probably the most of any goalkeeper and any aspect within the competitors.
“That is one thing we have labored on loads. It is so necessary for us, these clear sheets make it simpler to win video games. It confirmed tonight, scoring within the final minute and retaining that clear sheet decides these kind of video games,” Raya stated.
The goalkeeper’s acrobatic saves aren’t the one spectacular side of his recreation.
Raya is given plenty of duty with the ball at his toes and his passing vary and decision-making make Arsenal a greater attacking aspect.
“That is the evolution of the sport,” Arteta stated. “The keeper in the previous couple of years has modified and advanced quickly, and the quantity of issues that we ask him to do, it is loads.
“However many positions have very related conditions and calls for proper now, and the gamers should adapt to that.
“Other than the qualities of David, the braveness, the need to do sure issues, that is when you may attain one other degree.”
However the Gunners boss wouldn’t be drawn on if he thought that Raya was the perfect goalkeeper on this planet.
“He is extraordinary, magnificent, unimaginable,” Arteta stated. “I do not know the best adjective. We’re so completely happy to have him.”
Raya has 15 clear sheets in 31 Premier League matches this season, probably the most within the division.
He shared the Golden Glove trophy with Nottingham Forest‘s Matz Sels in 2024-25 – however Arsenal will hope that if Raya lifts that private accolade once more, it’s going to imply they’ve secured silverware as a workforce too.
