David Raya on the Southport loan that changed his life: ‘The best decision I’ve ever made’

Robin Bairner

Updated: 28 Mar 2026 12:55 GMT
4 min read

David Raya, Arsenal, Southport — © IMAGO

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has described the loan move he made to Southport as the “best decision” he ever made, claiming it was pivotal in his journey to become of the best in the world.

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Raya was at Blackburn Rovers when he moved to Southport in the first half of the 2014/15 season to get his first taste of senior football.

Though he admits the switch was an intimidating one, it was vital for his whole career.

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David Raya

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Arsenal

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David Raya: Southport gave me some of my best days

“The loan came about because I felt that with the under-21s there was no pressure. I had to go on loan to get more minutes and to play against men, to play men's football with real pressure as an 18 or 19-year-old footballer. I think it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Those three months were some of the best of my career,” Raya told Arsenal’s media channels in celebration of Non-League Day.

“When you’re surrounded by men who are playing football to make a living, it means so much more. Especially in non-league, where a win might make all the difference at the end of the month. At Blackburn you’d get breakfast, lunch and even dinner. With Southport, you had to clean your own clothes and sort your own meals. It was a real hit of reality - a reminder of what players go through in those lower divisions.

“My last game on loan with Southport was in the third round of the FA Cup against Derby County, away from home. We lost 1–0 in the last minute to a penalty. We were absolutely gutted with the result because everyone’s performance was incredible.”

Let's Talk About: featuring David Raya 🧤

In celebration of Non-League Day 2026, David reminisces about his time at Southport ❤️ pic.twitter.com/O8q91aRP92
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 28, 2026

Raya urges young stars to get a dose of reality

Raya, who has graduated to become a full Spain international as well as one of the most respected goalkeepers in the world, would urge other Arsenal youngsters to follow his pathway.

“When you’re young and surrounded by older men, you really learn and see the reality of football,” he said.

“If you come from an academy or a team in the higher divisions and then go on loan to the lower leagues, it gives you that shock of reality and helps you mature. My advice is to do it. Have a go. You’ll test yourself instead of staying in your comfort zone.”

First Southport, now the world

Raya is now the finest goalkeeper in the world, according to data analytics firm SciSports. Its algorithm, which draws on hundreds of in-game data points, gives him a rating of 127.7, well ahead of AC Milan’s Mike Maignan at 110.9.

And all this came about, Raya believes, thanks to his experience at Southport.

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