Joe Hart has backed Spain's decision to bench Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya at the World Cup, despite the 30-year-old's stellar season with the Premier League champions. Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simon started Spain's first two group games: a goalless draw with Cape Verde and a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Raya's impressive season overlooked
Raya was integral to Mikel Arteta's title-winning squad, conceding only 27 goals in 38 league games and winning the Premier League Golden Glove for the third consecutive season. Despite his form, he remains Spain's second choice, with only 13 caps since his 2022 debut. Simon, by contrast, has 60 caps and was Spain's starter since 2021, helping them win Euro 2024.
Hart's analysis on the goalkeeping debate
Discussing the snub on The Rest is Football, Hart said: 'It's tough. Unai Simon came in from David de Gea, who took over from Iker Casillas. De Gea was No. 1 for a while but had a drop-off. Simon got in by default and hasn't put a foot wrong since. He helped Spain win the Euros. I'm a massive fan of David Raya—he is hot right now, at his peak—but once you have that No. 1 jersey, you almost have to lose it yourself. Simon is playing at a high level and is a safe pair of hands.'
Hart would not change the starter
Asked if he would start Raya, Hart added: 'I can make a case for Raya—he's electric and a matchwinner. Arsenal don't win the league without him. But Simon is safe and solid. I don't think the manager loses sleep over either choice.'
Spain's World Cup prospects
Spain face Uruguay on Saturday to clinch top spot in Group H. They are among the favorites to win the World Cup, alongside Argentina, France, and England.
