Raya made a string of vital saves to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet during the elite European encounter in Portugal.
By Kehinde Okeowo
German midfielder Kai Havertz has described his Arsenal teammate David Raya as the best goalkeeper in the world currently, saying, “He saved us.”
He made the remark after the Spanish international’s saves helped the Gunners secure a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon.
Havertz scored the decisive goal, controlling a pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli and finishing coolly in the 91st minute.
However, Raya made a string of vital saves to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet, tipping a ferocious Maxi Araújo drive onto the bar early on and later pulling off a brilliant near-post stop from Geny Catamo.
The saves were just the latest examples of Raya coming to Arsenal’s rescue this season. Manager Mikel Arteta recently faced criticism for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of him in the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
ALSO READ: Wrexham goalkeeper Okonkwo cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria
Speaking after the win, Havertz was eager to praise the shot-stopper’s contribution to the narrow victory. He went on to call Raya the world’s best, while Mikel Arteta spoke of his “extraordinary” impact.
“Unbelievable,” Havertz told Amazon Prime regarding Raya.
“I think he is still underestimated in the world of football, but for me, over the last two seasons, he has been the best ‘keeper in the world. He’s outstanding. He has saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
