Edwin van der Sar has sparked debate by excluding Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from his list of 'world class' goalkeepers, while surprisingly including Manchester United's struggling shot-stopper Andre Onana.
Raya's Stellar Season Overlooked
David Raya has enjoyed another outstanding campaign for Arsenal, keeping 16 clean sheets in 34 Premier League matches. The Spain international has been widely regarded as one of the league's finest goalkeepers, but legendary Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar disagrees.
When asked by ESPN to name world class goalkeepers, van der Sar responded with a firm 'no' when Raya was suggested. Instead, he named Alisson Becker, Thibaut Courtois, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Manuel Neuer as the elite, along with the controversial inclusion of Andre Onana.
Onana's Difficult Spell at Manchester United
Onana joined Manchester United in the summer of 2023 but endured two error-prone seasons at Old Trafford. After a pre-season injury last summer, Altay Bayindir started the season as United's first-choice goalkeeper, but his shaky performances forced the club to sign Senne Lammens.
Onana was given another chance in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town, but he was at fault for two goals as United suffered a humiliating penalty shootout defeat. The Cameroon international was subsequently loaned out to Turkish side Trabzonspor. Although reports suggest he wants to return and fight for his place, Lammens has impressed in his debut season in England and appears secure as the number one.
Other Goalkeepers Miss the Cut
Among the goalkeepers van der Sar deemed not world class were Jan Oblak, Marc-André ter Stegen, Yann Sommer, Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez, Guglielmo Vicario, and Mike Maignan. The list has drawn criticism, particularly given Onana's recent struggles compared to Raya's consistent performances.
Van der Sar's comments have reignited the debate over what defines a world class goalkeeper, with many pointing out the disparity between Raya's current form and Onana's recent record.
