Arsenal goalkeeper keeps another clean sheet on international duty | OneFootball

David Raya kept a clean sheet for Spain in his first game of the international break on Thursday, as he looks to win their first-choice spot in Unai Simon’s absence.

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY: David Raya of Spain saves a shot during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Albania and Spain at Düsseldorf Arena on June 24, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

David Raya has an opportunity to prove himself as Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper over the next couple of months, with usual starter Unai Simon out injured.

Raya made a good start on that front on Thursday, keeping a clean sheet against Serbia.

In all honesty, Raya didn’t have a huge amount to do in goalkeeping terms, making one save, one clearance, and one punch. But he did complete all 21 of his attempted passes, showing his abilities in possession.

Spain’s David Raya holds onto a shot during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B football match between Albania and Spain at the Duesseldorf Arena in Duesseldorf on June 24, 2024. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Back in July, Unai Simon was ruled out of action for four months following wrist surgery. He’s expected to miss at least the September and October international breaks, if not the November break as well.

Meanwhile, Raya is up for Arsenal’s Player of the Month following his two clean sheets in three club games, and he was named in WhoScored’s Premier League Team of the Month for August. He was also recently named in the 2023/24 PFA Team of the Year.

The task now is to prove he can transfer that form to his international appearances, and Thursday was certainly a good start.

MADRID, SPAIN: David Raya in action during a Spain training session at Ciudad del Futbol de Las Rozas on June 01, 2024. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Spain’s other fixture of the international break is on Sunday against Switzerland, and Raya is likely to be tested a bit more on that occasion.

It won’t be a full-strength Switzerland side, however, with former Gunner Granit Xhaka and starting defender Nico Elvedi both receiving red cards in Thursday’s defeat to Denmark. The pair will be suspended against Spain.