David Raya #1

Profile

From futsal to the World Cup via England’s lower leagues, Raya’s career is unlike any other. After starting out as an outfield player in futsal he became a goalkeeper during his time in Cornellá’s academy in Barcelona. Then came the move to England aged 17. Perhaps unsurprisingly he is the first player to be called up by Spain who has won two promotions in the EFL, first from League One to the Championship with Blackburn and then to the Premier League with Brentford. At Arsenal he has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world – as quick-thinking with his feet as he is with his unusually large hands. On his left shinpad he has a picture of his international debut with Spain in 2022, passing the ball with his feet of course. Unai Simón has a fight on his hands.

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