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Liverpool and Manchester City fans won't be happy with Kai Havertz's hot take

Sporting Clube de Portugal v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg
Sporting Clube de Portugal v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg | Alex Pantling - UEFA/GettyImages

Arsenal man Kai Havertz called David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world after his team won 1-0 at Sporting on Tuesday night.

Havertz scored the winning goal to put Arsenal ahead in the Champions League tie - which in itself was crucial, especially on away turf.

However, David Raya also made a number of brilliant saves to keep Arsenal in the game.

It was a terrific performance from the goalkeeper, and it earned plaudits from not just manager Mikel Arteta after the game, but also Havertz in his post-match interview.

Liverpool and Manchester City fans won't be happy with Kai Havertz's take

Speaking on the Spaniard, Havertz said: “Unbelievable. I think still [he is] underestimated in the world of football. But for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world. He is outstanding. H has saved us so many times and we aree very glad to have him.”

Now, as much as Arsenal fans will enjoy hearing or reading that, some of Arsenal's rivals' fans will not be happy.

Of course, Havertz would not care, and he shouldn't. This article is not about that, but it is worth noting if there is a genuine case for Raya to be the world's best goalkeeper.

One thing is for sure at the moment, regardless of what your opinion is on the player: If he is not there yet, he probably will be at some point. Arsenal's resolute defense has meant that, in the past, Raya was not called into action that many times. However, whenever needed, the goalkeeper has been there for the club this season.

To call him the best would be a difficult decision to make since there are so many world class goalkeepers, and surely Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alisson Becker will have a lot to say about that.

If we're expanding from the Premier League and talking about Europe, then surely, Thibaut Courtois would have to be a big part of this conversation.

It is definitely certain, though, that Raya - even if he is not at top at the moment - certainly belongs in the conversation.

Even if he is behind the best defense in the world, it does not mean that Raya has not had to make any saves. In fact, Raya is a huge reason why they have conceded the low amount of goals they have conceded, and a big reason why their defense is great.

Raya will continue to make history with the club, and hopefully, one day with Spain as well, and even if he is not the best in the world at the moment - although that is a question for all Arsenal fans to answer - he is certainly one of them.

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