World's best keeper? Raya helps Arsenal get back on track

David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world. At least according to his Arsenal team-mates. The Gunners keeper made four superb saves in his latest excellent display in the 1-0 Champions League victory over Sporting, with Kai Havertz hitting a late winner .

It is rare for a team who are top of the Premier League and in a European quarter-final to have a goalkeeper in the mix for player of the year - but Raya must be in contention. The Spain international has kept 22 clean sheets in 41 appearances in all competitions this season - and his latest could not have come at a more important time for his side. Arsenal travelled to Sporting after back-to-back losses for the first time this season - and the pressure and noise about Mikel Arteta's side being "nearly men" was loud before the game in Lisbon.

However, notably, Raya did not feature in either of those losses: Arteta opted to stick with cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for the defeats by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final. Arteta's decision to pick Kepa for the final with City was questioned after the loss as the back-up goalkeeper's error gifted Pep Guardiola's side the opening goal. It also meant Arsenal 's wait for a major trophy since 2020 continues.

But Raya's performance against Sporting showed why the 30-year-old is the Gunners' clear number one. "Unbelievable" is how match-winner Kai Havertz described Raya to Amazon Prime. "I think [he is] still underestimated in the world of football but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world.