3 reasons why David Raya is Arsenal's best goalkeeper in years

David Raya joined Arsenal on a loan deal with an option to buy from Brentford in the summer. He quickly stole the number one position from Aaron Ramsdale and has not looked back since.

The Spaniard had some nervy moments at the beginning of his Arsenal career leading some Arsenal fans to doubt whether Raya was the right man for the job. However, he has grown into the role over the course of the season.

After his Champions League heroics against Porto, Raya seems to have finally forced his way into the hearts of Arsenal fans across the globe and stake his claim as Arsenal’s true number one for the foreseeable future.

Arsenal have had a whole host of goalkeepers recently such as Bernd Leno, Petr Cech and Aaron Ramsdale, but this is why David Raya is the best of the lot.

1. His distribution is key to Arsenal’s attack

It is no secret that Mikel Arteta has been searching for a goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has the ability to start attacks from his own penalty area. Ramsdale came close to fulfilling that criteria but David Raya has checked all of the boxes.

Raya has maintained a pass accuracy of 71.8% across the Premier League season as well as 70.9% in the Champions League. His confidence with the ball at his feet makes it far easier for the Gunners to play out from the back, with the Goalkeeper providing an extra option to beat the press.

The Spaniard is also known for starting quick and devastating attacks from one simple ball over the top. Think back to the home tie against Crystal Palace where Raya’s quick throw over the top led to a goal seconds later.

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