Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has now opened up about the impact one of his teammates has had since his arrival at the club.
Arsenal’s success this season has been built on a bedrock of defensive solidity.
The Gunners boast the best defensive record in the Premier League. With 37 match played, the North London outfit have conceded just 28 goals.
Mikel Arteta’s side defend from the front and as a single cohesive unit. The likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz apply pressure and lead the press in opposition territory. Declan Rice is a masterful ball winner in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been described as the best centre-back partnership in the Premier League.
Goalkeeper David Raya was recently confirmed as the Premier League Golden Glove award winner for having kept the most clean sheets in the top flight of English football this season.
The Spanish shot-stopper only joined the club, on a season-long loan deal from Brentford, in the recent summer transfer window. He quickly usurped previous No. 1 Aaron Ramsdale in the pecking order, and Arsenal are now set shell out £27 million to sign Raya on a permanent deal.
How David Raya has won over Arsenal fans
Things have not alway gone smoothly for the 28-year-old this season. Arsenal fans have criticised Raya at times, and he has made errors in a handful of matches.
His most recent mistake came in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. With Arsenal 3-0 up, his misplaced pass led directly to a Spurs goal. On that occasion, though, Arsenal supporters were impressed with how Raya responded to his error and the mental strength he showed.
In general, the four-cap Spain international is very reliable and comfortable with his feet. He regularly combines passes with Gabriel and Saliba as the Gunners prepare to build up their next attacking move.
Raya also excels at claiming crosses that are delivered into his box. He commands his penalty area with authority and is an assured, calming presence.
Gabriel Magalhaes hails David Raya impact at Arsenal
Gabriel has now praised Raya for the impact he has had at the Emirates Stadium. As quoted by the club’s official website, the Brazilian defender said: “David is a very important player for us. We’re very happy to have him here and we’re pleased he joined the club and has been doing a great job.
“We’ve changed the way we play to some extent but with Aaron Ramsdale we were already playing like that, so it’s just small things really.”
Arsenal are aware that Ramsdale is almost certain to leave the club this summer. Raya will be the Gunners’ undisputed No. 1 next season, and has earned that spot in the pecking order with his performances this season.