Is Arsenal's David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world right now?

The Spanish goalkeeper is a well-known figure in the Premier League.

Following a disappointing 0-0 draw in their first Champions League game of the season, Arsenal returned home with just a point. But one player who stole the headline in the game was David Raya.

The Spanish goalkeeper thwarted Atalanta from finding a goal following his heroic double save in the game. In the Champions League, Raya made an incredible double save to deny Mateo Retegui of Atalanta, sending Arsenal supporters into a frenzy.

Thomas Partey was found to have fouled Ederson inside the Arsenal penalty area early in the second half of the Gunners’ first-ever European match of the 2024-25 season. Raya jumped back to block Retegui’s headed rebound after stepping up to deny the Italy international from the spot.

In just four Premier League games this season, Raya has already shown incredible form, keeping three clean sheets. He has now confirmed his status as the Gunners’ first-choice custodian again.

Has David Raya already become one of the top goalkeepers in Europe?

David Raya’s status rose to prominence ever since he joined Arsenal. He replaced Aaron Ramsdale to become their first-choice goalkeeper under Mikel Arteta. He was already an established goalkeeper during his time at Brentford and many clubs were interested in signing him. The Gunners were lucky to bring him to the Emirates.

There, he rose in reputation progressively and became one of the Premier League’s most appreciated goalkeepers. His double stop against Atalanta wasn’t his first, though, as he had made other similar spectacular ones before. He’s done it in the Premier League on numerous occasions.

His shot-stopping and quick reflexes have turned him into the most complete goalkeeper. Raya is certainly now among the best goalies in the Premier League.

Raya is already a valuable member of the North London team. But he needs to help the team win trophies if he wants to elevate his standing among Europe’s best goalkeepers even further. If Arsenal hope to win the league and the Champions League trophy, they will need to put forth their best effort.

Raya is already doing a wonderful job. He instantly became a household name when he replaced Ramsdale at the club. Ever since joining the North Londoners, he has conceded just 32 goals in 46 games for Arsenal – compared to the 99 Ramsdale let in in 89 games.

His stats are already better than the England international. During his career, David Raya has faced 57 penalties, including shootouts He managed to save seven of them. However, four of those saves have come from the last eight penalties while he conceded 19 in a row before that.

Meanwhile, Ramsdale has faced 11 penalties and has denied none of them. This is an illustration of how Arteta has found an ideal goalkeeper between the lines who has all the makings to become the best goalkeeper. He definitely has a lot to learn and in future can become the best.

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