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David Raya is the “most unfortunate goalkeeper in world football”, former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack has told GOAL, but the Spain international is also viewed as the “best” goalkeeper currently playing in the Premier League. Raya enjoyed title-winning success with the Gunners last season, collecting another Golden Glove, but stayed on the bench throughout Spain’s victorious World Cup campaign at international level.

National League to World Cup winner: Raya's journey

The 30-year-old goalkeeper has travelled a remarkable path in a relatively short space of time. He spent time on loan at Southport in the National League in 2014-15, before making his breakthrough in League One with Blackburn and eventually reaching the Premier League with Brentford in 2019.

His move to Emirates Stadium in 2023, initially on loan, set up a battle with Aaron Ramsdale for the starting role. Raya came out on top in that contest and has since made the No.1 spot in north London his own.

Raya is now a Premier League champion and has three successive Golden Glove awards to his name, but he continues to sit behind Unai Simon in Spain’s pecking order. He did not play a single minute as La Roja marched to world glory on North American soil this summer.

Is Raya the best goalkeeper in the Premier League?

That remains a source of surprise and frustration, but Arsenal Invincibles squad member Stack - speaking in association with social casino opportunities - told GOAL when asked whether Raya has become the leading goalkeeper in English football: “I think he's probably the most unfortunate goalkeeper in the world as it stands. How on earth he doesn't get to play in the World Cup is beyond me.

“But, it's unfortunate circumstances for Raya in my opinion. He'd arguably play in any other team in the world. He’s just been so unfortunate with the loyalty that's been shown with Simon - I think his form for Spain has warranted him staying in the side regardless of Raya’s success. But I think he'll feel hard done by and I think he'll be a little bit frustrated at that. But understandably, you look at Spain's record throughout the World Cup, I think it was probably a justified decision.

“But Raya in my opinion, most definitely the best goalkeeper in the Premier League for a number of reasons. I think the proof is in the pudding. If you look at what he's done in the Premier League in terms of consistency, clean sheets, Golden Gloves, match-winning saves, just impeccable performances throughout, his reassurance.

“He's so proactive as a goalie, he seems to smell danger before it's even arrived. And I think he's grown in character, personality and leadership since he's been at the club and I would now class him as one of our leaders.”

Arsenal consider reliable Raya to be world's best keeper

That reputation is also being acknowledged by people around Raya at the Emirates, with nobody in the Arsenal squad overlooking his importance to the team. Kai Havertz believes his Spanish team-mate now belongs among the very best in the world.

The German forward said: “He is still underestimated in the world of football. For the last two seasons he has been the best keeper in the world.”

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has also been quick to praise his dependable last line of defence, saying of a player who helps those ahead of him thrive: “He’s extraordinary, magnificent, and incredible. I don’t know the adjective, the right one. And with that, it’s enough. We are so happy to have him.”

Arsenal fixtures 2026-27: Community Shield & Premier League opener

Lifted by his World Cup triumph with Spain - despite not stepping onto the pitch - Raya is now returning to Arsenal as they wrap up a busy pre-season schedule. They next face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16, with another trophy on the line.

The following Friday, the reigning champions will begin the new Premier League season at home to Coventry. Raya is expected to be back in goal by then, having become one of the first names on the teamsheet for his club - even if the same status has not yet come his way with the national side.