Raya vs Ramsdale: The latest on Arsenal's goalkeeper BATTLE
Cameron Smith
- 22 Aug 2023 08:39 BST
- 4 min read
David Raya featured in an Arsenal matchday squad for the first time during their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Spaniard has joined Mikel Arteta’s side on a season-long loan deal from Brentford, and the move is expected to be made permanent next summer.
The arrival of Raya has raised questions over who will be Arsenal’s first-choice ‘keeper this campaign, with Aaron Ramsdale under pressure for the number one spot.
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Having two goalkeepers of such high quality is a rarity in modern football, with the position in between the sticks typically one that doesn’t change.
But, Arteta now has two talented goalkeepers at his disposal and must decide whether Raya is good enough to displace Ramsdale as Arsenal’s undisputed number one.
The battle to become the regular ‘keeper has now begun, with the pair involved in a matchday squad together for the first time at Selhurst Park.
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However, Arteta will be buoyed by the fact that Raya and Ramsdale appear to have a mutual respect and that the battle looks set to commence on good terms.
As per The Mirror, during the warm-up against Palace, the pair were seen talking happily to one another during the warm-up against Palace, while they were spotted laughing after they both hit the woodwork during a crossbar challenge before the game kicked off.
Furthermore, Raya and Ramsdale proceeded to hit cross-field switches to one another, applauding each effort for its inch-perfect accuracy.
Raya to displace Ramsdale?
Despite interest from Tottenham and Bayern Munich, both of whom would’ve offered him the role of first-choice goalkeeper, Raya joined Arsenal to compete with Ramsdale instead.
The 27-year-old went to the 2022 World Cup with Spain, but did not make an appearance as Unai Simon was preferred in goal.
However, his form in the past two seasons has caught the eye of some of Europe’s elite clubs, meaning Ramsdale will have to be on top form to keep Raya out of the starting XI at the Emirates.
The battle to be the club’s number one will continue on Saturday, when Arsenal host Fulham.
