Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya may be a regular starter for the Gunners, but his international appearances for Spain remain limited. Unai Simon, Athletic Bilbao’s first-choice keeper, has been a formidable competitor for the national team position, especially after helping Spain clinch the UEFA Euro 2024 title.
However, with Simon currently sidelined due to wrist surgery, Raya now has a unique opportunity to make his case for Spain’s starting goalkeeper spot. According to reports from Marca, Simon may not return until the end of the year, giving Raya at least four games to prove his worth, including Spain’s upcoming fixtures.
Raya recently featured in Spain’s 0-0 draw against Serbia in a UEFA Nations League match in Belgrade, where he played the full 90 minutes. His performance garnered mixed reactions from the Spanish media as it marked his seventh cap for the national team.
Spanish sports outlets offered varied assessments of Raya’s showing against Serbia. Marca rated him 6 out of 10 for both halves, acknowledging his efforts but noting moments of indecision. “He didn’t face many issues in the first half hour, although he seemed a bit hesitant when coming off his line,” the publication remarked.
“His first save came after the 30-minute mark.” For the second half, they commented on his more active role: “He punched the ball away once early in the second half but had no major challenges and finished with a clean sheet.”
AS was more positive in their review, emphasising the crucial four months ahead for Raya to stake his claim as Simon’s equal. “He performed well in Belgrade. It was expected to be an easy match, but he had to show his abilities,” the outlet wrote.
In contrast, El Desmarque was more critical, giving Raya a 5 out of 10 rating. The outlet highlighted his shaky distribution, stating, “He made several risky passes out from the back and had few chances to intervene defensively.”
Despite facing stiff competition at the international level, Arsenal’s £27 million signing of Raya from Brentford is increasingly looking like a smart investment. His standout performances in the Premier League, particularly against Aston Villa and Brighton, have drawn praise from teammates like Declan Rice. Raya’s quick reflexes and command of the box have solidified his role as a key figure for Mikel Arteta’s side.
While Unai Simon remains a challenging obstacle for Raya to overcome in the national team, the Arsenal goalkeeper’s current form and the potential to impress over the next few months could significantly boost his chances of securing a starting role, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
