Raya 'world class' and Dowman 'has future of all futures'
[Getty Images] Arsenal double-winner Lee Dixon has been singing the praises of "world class" David Raya and "zero nerves" Max Dowman following their standout performances against Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday. "There is no doubt about Raya being absolutely world-class," former England right-back Dixon told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He has a way to go to touch the gloves of David Seaman, but it would be an absolute pleasure to play in front of him.
"If you're not having to look over your shoulder every now and then as a defender, it enables you to concentrate on what's going on in front of you. "He takes complete control of the defenders in front of him and that enables Arsenal to go on the front foot whenever they are pressing because they all trust him and know he is there for any shots they aren't able to stop. "The save he made onto the bar was just sensational.
He isn't the biggest goalkeeper but he is able to hold his own. His shot-stopping and footwork on the ball is just brilliant. "Raya really sets a tone of calmness - and you want that in your goalkeeper - Seaman was the epitome of that.
Raya is right up there with Seaman at the moment, he just needs to keep it up for another 10 years! " On 16-year-old Dowman, who became the youngest-ever player to feature in a Champions League quarter-final, Dixon added: "He has got zero nerves. "He has a brilliant touch on him and he just seems to glide over the grass, which is something I was never able to do.
"I'm very envious of his running style and what he has got ahead of him. He is only young, he has some really level-headed people around him and he has got the future of all futures. "