David Raya, who was on loan at Arsenal this season, has been announced as a part of the Spain provisional squad for the Euro 2024 in Germany.
David Raya Gets Euro 2024 Call-up for Spain
The Golden Glove Winner
Raya’s exploits in goal coupled with Arsenal’s resolute defence helped the Spaniard win the Golden Glove this season. He kept 16 clean sheets in total and thus beat his nearest competitor Jordan Pickford who had 13.
The Brentford goalkeeper moved to Arsenal on loan in a deal with an option to buy for £27 million. The move was initially met with scepticism, especially due to Aaron Ramsdale’s popularity among the fanbase. But soon he started winning over the critics with his calm and composed nature at goal. Mikel Arteta went on to describe him as ‘magnificent’ after the recent North London Derby, which the Gunners won 3-2.
Arguably his best moment in an Arsenal jersey came against Porto in the Champions League round of 16. He saved two penalties in the shoot-out to send the Gunners to the quarterfinals of the Champions League after 14 years. Owing to his excellent performances Arsenal are expected to make his loan move permanent this summer.
David Raya Named in Euro 2024 Spain Squad
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente named his 29-man provisional squad for the upcoming Euros in Germany. Raya was one of the 3 goalkeepers named by him.
The 28-year-old is expected to provide heavy competition to Athletic Bilbao keeper Unai Simon for a spot in the starting lineup. So far he has featured for Spain just four times. Simon on the other hand has been Spain’s first-choice keeper for the last four years and played in all of their matches in Euro 2020.
The Arsenal man is accompanied by fellow Premier League stars Rodri(Manchester City) and Marc Cucurella (Chelsea). Pedro Porro and Pau Torres were prominent names missing from the squad despite having a good season for Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa respectively.
Who Else Makes up Spain’s Provisional Squad?
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Unai Simon, Alex Remiro
Defenders: Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand, Alex Grimaldo, Dani Carvajal, Dani Vivian, Jesus Navas, Nacho Fernandez, Marc Cucurella, Pau Cubarsi
Midfielders: Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Alex Baena, Martin Zubimendi, Rodrigo, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Aleix Garcia, Fermin Lopez
Forwards: Alvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, Joselu, Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ayoze Perez, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams
Spain will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Croatia on June 15, 2024. They are placed in Group B, considered the ‘Group of Death’ since it also contains Italy and Albania, making it the toughest group in the tournament.
