David Raya, the Arsenal goalkeeper, has applauded the skills of Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, two young players who represent the national team at only 17 and 16 years old respectively. The Spanish international holds great respect for the centre-back and the forward from FC Barcelona, labeling them as exceptionally talented. He finds pride in their induction into the team under the management of Luis de la Fuente.
Raya expressed his appreciation for these young players during a press conference. "It's an honor to witness such potential in our team. The inclusion of these young players in the squad is noteworthy. Every player possesses a unique talent, but these two show their remarkable gifts in every match. I'm glad they are a part of us, bringing a fresh, positive dynamic to the team," said Raya.
He respects the decisions made by the coach, Luis de la Fuente. "Ultimately, it's the coach's decision to finalize the team. Everyone may have different opinions, but it’s impossible to appease everyone. The important thing is that all players selected are here to contribute towards the team’s success. Everyone who makes the cut is having a great season and are in excellent form," he added.
For Raya, the national team selection came at a pivotal point in his career. His critically acclaimed penalty saves during the Arsenal-Porto last 16 match not only advanced them to the next round but gained him widespread recognition.
"The Porto match was crucial for us as a team. Despite not playing to our potential, we managed to score the crucial goal to extend the match resulting in a penalty shootout. With much preparation prior, I was fortunately able to make two saves. We scored all our penalties and I'm content with both the team's performance and my personal contribution towards reaching the Champions League quarterfinals. It's a moment to be proud of," he noted.
Raya asserted that neither he nor his teammates would ever hold back, even if it comes with the risk of incurring injuries during important matches in the season. He emphasized that everyone is fully committed to giving their best in the upcoming Eurocup. "Speaking for myself and my teammates, we aren't afraid of potential injuries. We are fully prepared for the best possible performance in Eurocup. With the last break in the schedule, we are all primed for the two upcoming matches and will do all in our power to deliver a solid game, striving to win both matches," he concluded.