Mikel Arteta hails David Raya for transforming Arsenal’s defence | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has praised David Raya, crediting the goalkeeper with reshaping Arsenal’s defensive stability in recent campaigns. The Spaniard arrived on loan then made the move permanent, and has become central to the club’s pursuit of major honours.

According to Goal.com, signing him from Brentford in 2023 stands as a defining move of the Arteta era. Raya, 31, has made 153 appearances for Arsenal and kept 72 clean sheets across Europe’s top five leagues.

His presence helped drive the north London side to last season’s Premier League title, capped by his third consecutive Golden Glove.

Ahead of this weekend’s league match, Arteta declined to rank his recruits but underlined Raya’s importance. He maintained it did not matter whether the goalkeeper was his best signing, only that he has lifted the team to another level and the task is to maintain it.

Arteta highlighted the keeper’s mentality, noting he overcame early high-pressure moments to prove himself and earn recognition among the best. Raya’s stature has been reinforced by a recent penalty save from Enzo Le Fee, and since the start of 2023-24 only Caoimhin Kelleher, five, has stopped more spot-kicks among Premier League goalkeepers in all competitions, excluding shoot-outs. Over the same span he has saved 72.3% of shots faced.

Source: Goal.com

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