Spanish media have now been sharing their rating of David Raya’s performance after the Arsenal keeper kept his first clean sheet for his country.
Despite making five appearances for Spain, Raya was yet to keep a full clean sheet before Wednesday, when beating Andorra 5-0 at home.
Unfortunately, Raya’s good performance is unlikely to earn him a start in Germany later this month, with Unai Simon set to start at the Euros.
Simon was number one when Luis de la Fuente took over as Spain boss, and there was little reason for the manager to make a change.
Of course, if Raya continues to be such a convincing presence at Arsenal over the coming seasons, it will be increasingly difficult for the Spain set-up to keep him on the bench.
And the goalkeeper’s position should only improve at his club this summer, with Aaron Ramsdale likely to leave Arsenal.
Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow is being looked at as a potential new number two, who seems unlikely to displace Raya any time soon.
Spanish media praise Arsenal’s David Raya for being proactive with his feet
As you may expect in a 5-0 win against lowly-opposition, Raya did enjoy a quiet night for Spain between the sticks, but was still praised.
Originally in Spanish, Sport wrote: “Andorra did not demand the slightest from him, but the Arsenal goalkeeper tried to be participatory with the ball at his feet and start quickly when he could start from behind.”
Estadio Deportivo stated: “He complied with sobriety in the timid arrivals of the rival. In the second half, he was not even seen. Absolute dominion of Spain.”
And Marca declared the task monotonous for Raya: “The Spanish goalkeeper has not had to intervene in any dangerous occasion beyond a couple of lateral crosses. Actions too easy for David.”
A comfortable evening for Raya, which bodes well if the Arsenal keeper is required to step in for Spain during the Euros.
The Spaniard’s debut season at Arsenal shouldn’t be understated, coming through a tough test in replacing and then improving on Ramsdale – who was hugely popular.
All that being said, French media have now been reacting to William Saliba’s substitute appearance on Wednesday.