Arsenal star lauds Barcelona summer arrival – ‘Wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for him’ | OneFootball

Speaking in an interview with Catalunya Radio, Arsenal and Spain goalkeeper David Raya has praised FC Barcelona shot-stopper Joan Garcia.

The 24-year-old Barça summer signing earned his first call-up to the Spanish national team in the current international window, along with three other custodians in Unai Simon, Alex Remiro, and Raya himself.

So, it goes without saying that Garcia and Raya will be competing against each other for a place in the La Roja squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Raya hails Garcia

Despite their battle for spots in the national team roster, Raya has heaped praise on Garcia, claiming that Barcelona would not be where they are this season without their summer arrival.

“Joan Garcia is at a very high level. Barça wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for him,” said Raya.

Joan Garcia has been a brilliant addition for Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Regarding his national team situation, the Arsenal stopper added: “He’s a good guy, which is important, and he’s a goalkeeper. If the coach decides he has to play, we’ll help him from the start.”

Garcia will have to wait for his Spain debut as he has been left out of the squad for tonight’s friendly against Serbia. It could come next week when La Roja face Egypt in another friendly at the RCDE Stadium.

Raya on potential face-off vs Barcelona

Meanwhile, Raya also spoke about the possibility of facing Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the quarterfinals, while the Catalans have been drawn against Atletico Madrid. Should both teams prevail in their ties, a meeting in the semifinals awaits.

“It would be an honour to be able to face Barça in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They are a very well-worked team, both defensively and offensively,” said Raya.

“And it is proven that they are getting very good results both in the League and in the Champions League,” he concluded.