Kai Havertz declared David Raya the best goalkeeper in the world after his saves helped Arsenal secure a 1-0 win over Sporting in their Champions League quarter-final first leg in Lisbon.
Havertz scored the decisive goal, controlling a pass from fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli and finishing coolly in the 91st minute, but he was eager to praise the goalkeeper’s contribution.
Raya’s Heroics Secure the Win
Raya made a string of vital saves to preserve Arsenal’s clean sheet, tipping a ferocious Maxi Araujo drive onto the bar early on and later pulling off a brilliant near-post stop from Geny Catamo.
The saves were just the latest examples of Raya coming to Arsenal’s rescue this season, with manager Mikel Arteta having recently faced criticism for starting Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of him in the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City.
“Unbelievable,” Havertz told Amazon Prime of Raya.
“I think he is still underestimated in the world of football, but for me, the last two seasons, the best ‘keeper in the world.
“He’s outstanding. He has saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
Arteta Praises ‘Extraordinary’ Goalkeeper
Arteta also praised the Spain international’s contribution.
“He had two moments where he made two big saves,” he told Amazon Prime. “And that’s the Champions League, the Champions League is always decided in the boxes because there’s so much quality.
“At the moment he’s phenomenal and he has been extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him.”
Raya Reflects on Crucial Save
Raya himself felt his early save from Araujo, after a superb, outside-of-the-boot pass from Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande, was crucial to the outcome of the game.
“I think that’s a turning moment,” he added to Amazon Prime. “It was a quick transition from them and a great strike but I managed to get a fingertip to it to hit the bar. It’s one of those moments that can change games.
“It’s something that I’m there for. I’m trying to help the team as much as possible in any single action, not just defending but commanding and on the ball, so, delighted with myself performance and, of course, the win.”
Raya also displayed his composure in possession, completing 26 of his 28 attempted passes, and his ability to anticipate danger behind Arsenal’s back-line when he headed away a long pass near the halfway line to prevent a Sporting counter.
“You have to be focused no matter what you’re doing, whether you’re touchin