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Pundit says Arsenal star David Raya is a ‘real leader’

By on October 17, 2025

David Raya Arsenal

Former goalkeeper turned pundit Joe Hart has claimed that Arsenal star David Raya has leadership qualities.

After becoming the Gunners’ boss back in 2019, Mikel Arteta initially had Bernd Leno and Emiliano Martínez as goalkeeping options. However, the Spanish boss decided to let both of them leave and bought Aaron Ramsdale.

The Englishman displayed eye-catching performances at the Emirates Stadium, but Arteta surprisingly signed Raya a couple of years ago. The 30-year-old initially joined on a loan deal from Brentford before the deal became permanent last year.

The Spaniard took over the first-choice goalkeeper role quickly, which forced Ramsdale to leave to play regularly. Now, Raya has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, winning the Golden Glove award with 13 clean sheets last term.

This season, Raya has enjoyed a promising start, keeping four clean sheets with an 83% save rate in seven Premier League appearances. Moreover, he has guided his team to place themselves at the top of the league.

Now, speaking on The Breakdown, Hart says that Raya is a technically excellent goalkeeper and has leadership qualities. He is in the ‘upper echelon’ and only needs to win big silverware to back up his qualities.

Hart said:

“He’s[Raya] in the upper echelon. Of course, he’s going to need trophies to back it up. I think that goes without saying, that’s not a knock on him. Technically excellent, quick, he’s a real leader.”

Pundit lauds Raya

After displaying his qualities in club football, Raya has secured his place in Luis De La Fuente’s Spain national team, but plays as a backup option to Unai Simons.

Raya, valued at around £35m by Transfermarkt, isn’t the tallest of goalkeepers, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming a top-class shot-stopper.

The North Londoners will be hoping that the Spaniard will be able to help the club win some big silverware this season by continuing to display impressive performances.

Meanwhile, Arsenal entered the international break with a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, nudging Liverpool off the top of the league.

Now, the Gunners will resume their Premier League campaign against Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.