Several Arsenal players are currently featuring for their national teams during the international break, including William Saliba, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, and Gabriel Martinelli. Among them, David Raya, Arsenal’s goalkeeper, and midfielder Mikel Merino took part in Spain’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark on Friday.
The match in Copenhagen ended with Spain securing a 2-1 victory. Raya earned his ninth international cap and his fifth consecutive start. His performance received mixed reviews from the Spanish media, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.
**Marca**, a prominent Spanish outlet, awarded Raya a score of 7.5/10, commending his composed play in the first half. They specifically noted his decisive clearance from Denmark’s first corner, saying, “He got his hand to clear the first corner of the match. Nothing too complicated in the first half.” However, they also criticized a second-half error when Raya attempted to dribble past Isaksen after receiving a risky pass from Fabián Ruiz, resulting in Denmark’s goal. Despite this, Marca acknowledged Raya’s redemption with a critical late save to preserve Spain’s lead.
**El Desmarque** offered a slightly lower score of 6/10. They praised Raya’s composure and ball distribution but underlined his responsibility in the sequence leading to Denmark’s goal. They highlighted his decisive save during stoppage time against Skov Olsen, stating it was vital in securing the win.
**AS**, meanwhile, emphasized Raya’s late-game heroics, particularly focusing on his crucial intervention to deny Skov Olsen. They remarked, “He made a fantastic save to keep Spain ahead, deflecting Skov Olsen’s dangerous shot with his left foot onto the far post,” showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.
While Raya’s performance included a notable error that contributed to Denmark’s goal, his ability to make decisive saves in critical moments underscored his resilience. His efforts were instrumental in securing Spain’s victory in a tightly contested match.
For Arsenal fans, the display highlighted areas for improvement but also reaffirmed Raya’s quality in high-pressure scenarios, justifying his position as Spain’s starting goalkeeper.