Raya ‘is best keeper in the world’ says matchwinner Havertz
The former Brentford keeper made several fine saves in Lisbon
Arsenal’s David Raya was hailed as the ‘best in the world’ as the Gunners put one foot in the Champions League semi-finals.
Substitute Kai Havertz grabbed the headlines with a last-gasp winner, but the German forward was quick to point the finger at Raya as the real hero in Lisbon.
Raya’s acrobatic fingertip save to deny Maxi Araujo in the first half set the tone for a night where Arsenal’s defensive resilience was tested to the limit.
Raya was in inspired form, producing a series of world-class saves to keep the scores level before Havertz’s late intervention. Speaking to Amazon Prime after the final whistle, Havertz was full of praise for his teammate, claiming the 30-year-old does not get the credit he deserves on the global stage.
He said: “[He is] Unbelievable. I think he is still underestimated in the world of football but for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world.
“He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.”
Despite the pressure from the home side, it was Havertz who provided the decisive moment in stoppage time, finishing off a slick move involving fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli.
“To score a late goal is always nice, especially in front of the fans and we take that result. Still a lot of work to do next week but we take the result, for sure,” the match-winner noted.
Havertz was also quick to highlight the impact of Martinelli, whose driving run and cross created the opening: “Top, so much quality that guy. Obviously, as a striker or attacking midfielder you always wait for these moments. He made it so well so credit to Martinelli.”