September 19th 2024.
Declan Rice was effusive in his praise for his teammate, goalkeeper David Raya, following his impressive double save in Arsenal's recent draw against Atalanta. The Gunners may have settled for a point in their first Champions League match, but it was largely thanks to Raya's heroics between the posts.
One particular moment stood out for Raya, when he guessed correctly and saved Mateo Retegui's penalty, quickly getting back on his feet to block the striker's follow-up header with a full stretch dive. It was a stunning display of athleticism and determination that helped secure yet another clean sheet for the Gunners.
Although Arsenal had their chances to secure a win, with Gabriel Martinelli missing a golden opportunity, Rice was quick to point out the importance of Raya's performance and the solid defending of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. He highlighted the fact that the trio have a strong desire to defend and work together as a unit, which has been a key factor in their team's success so far this season.
Raya has been in exceptional form this season, making several remarkable saves, including a similar one against Ollie Watkins at Villa Park and a crucial stop against Wolves on the opening day of the season. With only one goal conceded in their first five matches, Arsenal's center-back partnership has also played a significant role in their defensive strength.
Rice couldn't help but sing Raya's praises, stating, "The two center-backs, I can't speak highly enough of them and the goalkeeper. He has gone to a next level, unbelievable." He also admired Raya's mentality, noting that despite coming into the club last season and taking over as the number one goalkeeper, he remained level-headed and unchanged. This is particularly impressive given the pressure he faced after displacing Aaron Ramsdale, who left Arsenal to join Southampton this summer.
According to Rice, Raya's focused and determined mindset has been evident in every game this season, making crucial saves in all three matches. He is not only excelling on the pitch, but also leading a positive lifestyle off the field, which is reflected in his performances. As Rice concluded, "He is doing everything right and living the away from football the right way and showing that on the pitch." Clearly, Raya's contributions have not gone unnoticed by his teammates and fans alike.
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