David Raya might actually head into 2026 fuming despite his masterclass for Arsenal vs Aston Villa
David Raya is firmly Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper heading into 2026, but his status in the Spain squad differs.
Raya placed fourth in Arsenal Insider’s ranking of Arsenal’s best players of 2025.
The Spaniard has a huge year ahead in 2026, as he continues to fight for silverware with Arsenal while preparing for the 2026 World Cup with Spain.
Though Raya is considered to be one of the world’s best by others in the Premier League, the view in Spain is different, as Unai Simon is still number one.
Change my mind, David Raya is the best Arsenal goalkeeper of the Emirates era.
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David Raya is still expected to be Spain’s second-choice goalkeeper
Luis de la Fuente is a huge fan of Arsenal’s Spanish players, but if there’s one star who deserves more love from the Spain boss, it’s Raya.
The Arsenal star last represented his country in November 2024, and ever since, he’s been benched by Simon of Athletic Club.
Adhering to the role of a second-choice goalkeeper is tough, particularly for Raya, whose quality does not match his job in the national team.
How confident are you that David Raya will start for Spain at the 2026 World Cup?
Credit: Getty Images/S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
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Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like things are going to change for the 30-year-old, as Spanish outlet El Espanol suspects.
Previewing what De La Fuente needs to consider in 2026, El Espanol said that despite Raya’s ‘excellent form’, his national team manager has ‘no doubts’ about Simon being number one.
It’s noted that unless Simon experienced a ‘major setback’, there will be no debate about who Spain’s number one is among the coaching staff before the World Cup.
Reflecting on the past week alone, it’s difficult to accept De La Fuente’s decision, as Raya has pulled off world-class save after world-class save.
Raya keeps producing save of the season nominees
Just three days before his incredible save against Aston Villa, Raya pulled off a save that was off the charts against Brighton.
Alan Shearer said that Raya’s save was as good as a goal, making it difficult to comprehend how he arguably bettered it days later against Villa.
Which save did you prefer, David Raya vs Brighton or this one against Aston Villa?
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Raya’s save against Villa was absolutely superb, stopping a shot that Sofascore deemed to boast an 87% chance of being scored.
When all hope was lost, Raya was there to stop the ball from crossing the line, something he’s become accustomed to doing between the sticks for Arsenal.
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