"He’s been unreal since the start of the season" - Martin Odegaard waxes lyrical about Arsenal teammate ahead of PSG clash

Martin Odegaard has lavished praise on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who he thinks has been unreal so far this season. The Gunners captain spoke ahead of his side's encounter with Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League (October 1).

Raya produced a spectacular double save in the north Londoners' 0-0 draw at Atalanta in their opening game of the campaign. The Spanish shot-stopper has made an excellent start to the season, keeping four clean sheets in seven games across competitions.

Odegaard will miss the game against PSG through injury but spoke to club media about the team's progress and picked out Raya as a shining star. He said:

"I was watching it at home and I don’t think I’ve ever seen any save like that before in my life! He’s been unreal since the start of the season, he’s in great form and again it shows the strength we have as a team, because we have so many different ways to get results now."

There was much debate over Raya's arrival at Arsenal in the summer of 2023 as he replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Mikel Arteta's No.1. He was scrutinized throughout last season but has silenced his critics with consistent performances.

Raya denied Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot before quickly getting to his feet and tipping the Argentine forward's header away. His heroics against Atalanta followed another impressive double save in a 2-0 away win against Aston Villa.

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"He has made them better" - Kevin Nolan thinks David Raya's arrival has made Arsenal stronger title challengers

Kevin Nolan is a fan of David Raya (Image - Getty)

Raya initially joined Arsenal from Brentford on loan, which led to many pondering whether he'd play backup to Ramsdale. That wasn't the case as Arteta quickly made him his No.1 at the Emirates.

The Gunners finished two points short of title winners Manchester City last season. Raya kept 16 clean sheets in 32 league games and earned a permanent move this past summer.

Kevin Nolan feels Arteta's decision to bring Raya in has been proven right. The West Ham United legend said (via Arsenal News Channel on X):

"When Arsenal bought David Raya, everyone went ‘Why are they buying him?’ Because Ramsdale had a great season but what he has done is he has made them better."

Raya has looked calm in possession which has helped the Gunners flourish under Arteta. Nolan alluded to this:

"He has put Arsenal closer to Man City and now you look at him, he is a complete keeper. He makes really good saves, he can play with his feet."

Ramsdale had been Arteta's No.1 before Raya's arrival and was named in the Premier League Team of the Season in 2023. He's since departed to Southampton after being displaced at the Emirates.