David Raya or Aaron Ramsdale: Who is the better goalkeeper?

Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya could be going head-to-head for status as Arsenal’s number one next season, and their prospective battle has sparked furious debate among supporters.  

It is only two years since Ramsdale himself usurped Bernd Leno to become our first choice between the sticks, and he rounded off his impressive 2022/23 campaign by signing a new long-term contract in May.

However, if you stand still in football, you will fall behind (especially when chasing Manchester City) and stiff domestic competition means Arsenal must grasp market opportunities if they are to stay ahead of their rivals – with Raya fitting that description perfectly.

David Raya or Aaron Ramsdale: Who is the better goalkeeper?

Both goalkeepers have made big impressions in the Premier League, but who is the better all-round option? Here is a player comparison in four key attributes to help you decide.

Distribution

Ramsdale and Raya are both renowned for their comfort in possession, and it is the main reason why Arsenal have pursued them.

The incumbent elevated ‘Artetaball’ to new heights through his build-up play and fearlessly goads attackers into pressing so he can open up midfield passing lanes.

His ability to punt the ball long distances at goal kicks (average length = 53.8 yards) also allows us to progress into advanced areas from second phases and, despite occasional errors, the team gains far more from Ramsdale’s varied passing than it loses.

Meanwhile, Raya ranks among the world’s best for long-range distribution and generally gets the accuracy and weight of his pass just right, which once prompted Jurgen Klopp to label him a “number 10”. But the Spaniard is, surprisingly, less reliable over shorter distances as he sometimes panics when pressurised and chooses the wrong passing option, thereby putting a huge strain on his defensive teammates.

Mistakes come with the ball-playing territory, and his incredible long-distance passing means Raya just shades it. But it is close.

Verdict: Raya    

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