Thibaut Courtois says Arsenal star is ‘one of the top three in the world’ | Football

Thibaut Courtois says he ‘really likes’ David Raya and rates the Arsenal star amongst the top three goalkeepers in world football.

Raya joined Arsenal on a permanent basis in July 2024, following an initial loan move from Brentford, and the 30-year-old shot-stopper has gone on to establish himself as one of the finest in his position in the Premier League.

Some eyebrows were raised amongst the fanbase surrounding Aaron Ramsdale’s sudden drop down the pecking order given the England international rarely let the Gunners down as Mikel Arteta’s number one.

But Ramsdale has since made way and Raya has proven a central figure in the club’s transformation into a defensive force under Mikel Arteta, alongside centre-back duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Raya won the Golden Glove award for a second year running last term, with Arsenal conceding just 34 goals across the top-flight campaign. The Spain international was also named in the PFA Team of the Year in his debut season.

And with the north London giants shipping only five goals in their opening 11 games, Raya is well placed to add yet more prizes to collection over the coming months.

But with Arsenal failing to win any major silverware since their FA Cup triumph in 2020, Raya will no doubt be prioritising team accolades over individual awards come the business end of the season.

In a wide-ranging interview with Spanish radio station COPE, Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois had nothing but praise for Raya, who he feels is continuing to improve year-on-year.

When asked to name his top three goalkeepers on the planet, not including himself, Courtois replied: ‘Currently… Jan Oblak is playing at a very high level this year.

‘I really like Alisson, even though he’s injured. And I also really like David Raya.’

On his decision to name Raya in his top three over Spain’s number one, Unai Simon, Courtois explained: ‘Arsenal are having a great season, conceding very few goals, and Raya already had a great season last year.

‘Saying that, Unai Simon is also a great goalkeeper, he’s performing tremendously well with the national team and deserves to keep playing.

‘That’s football and competition. I think Luis de la Fuente has made up his mind and Raya will have to wait for his chance.

‘But it’s healthy competition, especially in goal, because if you concede two goals, the manager can’t hesitate and it’s always harder to replace one of them.’

While Courtois counts himself among the best goalkeepers in the game, he insists his main focus is helping Real Madrid win games and lift major trophies.

‘I’m certainly one of the best, but it depends on each person’s taste, and everyone is free to have their opinion,’ the Belgian, formerly of Chelsea, continued.

‘Ultimately, what I have to do is help my club, and what people think [is up to them].’

Courtois admits he faces an uphill battle in establishing himself as the finest ‘keeper in Madrid’s history given the extraordinary legacy left behind by the great Iker Casillas.

Asked if he considers himself to be the club’s best ever, he replied: ‘No. Well, someone has told me that before, or I’ve seen it myself, but I think there’s ‘a Saint,’ Iker Casillas, who means a lot to Real Madrid fans and Spanish football.

‘But hearing your name among those names is already a compliment.  

‘To be remembered as one of the best, you have to win trophies, and that’s what I try to do.

‘No one will remember if I saved eight shots against Liverpool so it’s important to keep winning trophies. When I retire from Real Madrid, everyone can have their say. 

‘When I was eight, I dreamed of being Real Madrid’s goalkeeper. I’m here now and every day I’m here is wonderful. This is where I’m happiest.’  

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