Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lauded some of his players ahead of facing Burnley this weekend and had some kind words for goalkeeper, David Raya.
Raya was a surprise arrival at the club when he arrived from Brentford on a loan deal which has since become a £30m permanent transfer.
Raya’s arrival has shunted Aaron Ramsdale down he pecking order with the England man now firmly entrenched as the Gunners’ number two now.
However, while Raya has had his moments this season in terms of blips, his manager, Mikel Arteta, has said that the Spaniard is that good at his job that people don’t even realise how good he is.
Mikel Arteta praises David Raya
Speaking in his official press conference ahead of the game with Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, Arteta was full of praise for Raya.
“What I like about David, as well is what he does in goal. The things that he prevents us from, you don’t even see because they don’t happen, because he has anticipated them. But yeah, obviously he had the environment that was very challenging. But that’s what I love about him. The players with the courage and the character and personality. When even it is like this, they want to be themselves and they push themselves to do that. He has earned the right to be very respected and I’m really happy that he’s winning,” Arteta said.
Showing his class
The signing of Raya was one of the biggest talking points for pundits earlier in the year. But now, having settled into the role and doing the business, it looks like Mikel Arteta was right all along.
Raya has been very good in recent weeks and you can see with how he releases the ball to the outfield players just why Arteta wanted him signed.
Sure, it felt harsh on Aaron Ramsdale at a certain point. But big managers make the big calls and it looks like the Arsenal boss has got this one spot on.