Peter Schmeichel's David Raya claim that will leave Arsenal fans with strong emotions
David Raya has been in fine form for Arsenal this season, with the Spaniard impressing ever since joining the club from Brentford, and Peter Schmeichel is clearly a big fan
by Abbie Meehan · The MirrorPeter Schmeichel has praised Arsenal's star goalkeeper David Raya – rating him almost on par now with Manchester City's elite shot-stopper Ederson.
The former City and Manchester United shot-stopper shared his insights while appearing on the Stick to Football podcast, emphasising Raya's remarkable progress since becoming the Gunners' No. 1.
Raya was initially loaned to the Gunners from Brentford for the 2023/24 season and ultimately ousted England's Aaron Ramsdale as the first-choice goalie. Following an exceptional season, the Spaniard's move to the north London club became permanent with a £27million summer deal, while Ramsdale left to join Southampton instead.
His impressive form continued this season, including a standout double save from a penalty in Arsenal's Champions League goalless draw away to Atalanta, and he has certainly endeared himself to Gunners fans.
During his podcast appearance, Schmeichel praised Raya's consistent top-tier performances and significant role in bolstering Arsenal's defensive line. He said: "Ederson is the best keeper in the Premier League. David Raya is coming close now too. He has really impressed me.
"Once he got established as Arsenal's number one and that competition situation got out of the way and Aaron Ramsdale left, there was a different aura around him. He's played well and has kept his team in a few games. He's made some important saves. He has also eradicated all those mistakes that he made from having to be a good footballer.
"Against Tottenham, he passed the ball straight out to [Cristian] Romero. All those mistakes, I haven't seen this season."
Ederson, who signed for Manchester City in 2017, has been a standout No. 1 for the club, winning numerous honours as well as representing his home country of Brazil.
The 31-year-old is now in his eighth season with City, boasting an impressive trophy haul that includes six Premier Leagues, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups, three Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup and one UEFA Super Cup.
In contrast, Raya has yet to secure any domestic honours with Arsenal, although he has won the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 with Spain in the past two years.
Whether Raya will match Ederson's trophy count at Arsenal remains to be seen. But if his current form continues, the Gunners' dream of lifting the Premier League trophy could soon become a reality.
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