Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has delivered a huge compliment to Arsenal's David Raya, placing him in an elite group of the world's best shot-stoppers.
High Praise from a Goalkeeping Great
In a candid interview with Spanish radio station COPE, Courtois was asked to name his top three goalkeepers currently playing, excluding himself. The former Chelsea player responded without hesitation, stating: ‘Currently… Jan Oblak is playing at a very high level this year. I really like Alisson, even though he’s injured. And I also really like David Raya.’
This endorsement places the Arsenal number one in esteemed company, alongside the established global stars from Atlético Madrid and Liverpool. Courtois went on to explain his reasoning for selecting Raya over Spain's current first-choice goalkeeper, Unai Simon.
Raya's Meteoric Rise at Arsenal
Since his permanent move to Arsenal in July 2024, following an initial loan from Brentford, the 30-year-old Spaniard has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League's finest. His arrival initially raised questions, given that previous number one Aaron Ramsdale had been a reliable performer for the Gunners.
However, Raya has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta's defensively formidable side, playing a key role alongside centre-back duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. His individual accolades are a testament to his impact:
- Winning the Golden Glove award for a second consecutive year last season.
- Being named in the PFA Team of the Year in his debut campaign with the club.
- Helping Arsenal concede just 34 goals across the last top-flight season.
The north London club's defensive strength has continued into the new campaign, with a remarkable record of shipping only five goals in their opening 11 games.
Healthy Competition and Team Ambitions
Courtois acknowledged the difficult decision facing Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, with both Raya and Unai Simon performing at a high level. ‘That’s football and competition,’ he said. ‘I think Luis de la Fuente has made up his mind and Raya will have to wait for his chance. But it’s healthy competition.’
Despite the personal praise, the focus for Raya and Arsenal remains firmly on team success. The club has not secured major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020, making collective accolades the clear priority for the season's climax.
Meanwhile, Courtois reflected on his own legacy at Real Madrid, humbly stating he could not surpass the club's legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas. ‘No,’ he replied when asked if he was Madrid's best ever. ‘Well, someone has told me that before... but I think there’s ‘a Saint,’ Iker Casillas, who means a lot to Real Madrid fans.’ He emphasised that winning trophies is the ultimate measure of a goalkeeper's career.
