Arsenal star lifts lid on fierce fight for places inside Gunners camp | OneFootball

David Raya believes the intense competition within Mikel Arteta’s squad is driving performance levels higher, describing the team’s depth as “incredible” after their sixth straight win.

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David Raya believes the level of competition within Mikel Arteta’s squad has reached such a standard that “you can lose your spot in a fraction [of a second],” describing the current group as “incredible” in both quality and depth.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 4-0 demolition of Atlético Madrid, their sixth straight win and 10th from 12 in all competitions, the Spanish goalkeeper said Arsenal’s strength in numbers was pushing every player to deliver higher standards in training and matches.

“Yes, I think so. I think the depth of the squad is incredible,” Raya said. “We have a lot of players and we have a lot of players that can play in two, three, four different positions.

“Like [against Atlético], [Mikel] Merino came on as a striker and he can play as a No 8, he can play as a No 10. So, that’s the variety that the boss has and he’s using it for our advantage and for the best of the team. It’s looking very, very good and that depth is very important for us.”

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Raya has started in every match this season apart from the Carabao Cup, but Kepa Arrizabalaga continues to apply pressure from the bench in a squad that was heavily strengthened in the summer. Arsenal spent over £250 million on new recruits, and the internal competition has clearly sharpened focus.

“That gives you an extra level in training and in games because if you’re not at it every day, you can lose your spot in a fraction [of a second],” Raya added. “So, that gives that competitiveness in training and in games. That’s really, really important and everybody is on board with that.”

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arteta’s side have conceded just three goals in all competitions so far, the fewest at this stage in the club’s history. They have also kept clean sheets in each of their last three games, against Atlético, Fulham and West Ham, restricting their opponents to a single shot on target across all three matches.

“It’s a collective effort from the striker to the goalie,” Raya said. “So, everyone is on it, everyone doesn’t want to give anything and everyone wants to intercept that ball before it is getting even to the halfway line. So, if we intercept that ball, that means we can have a short counter. It’s really, really important for everyone to feel that way and we’re not giving away that many chances, which is perfect.”

The 30-year-old, who already has eight clean sheets in all competitions this season, is level with Nick Pope at the top of the Premier League charts and in contention for what would be his third Golden Glove in a row.