Arsenal goalkeeper on battle for Spain’s No.1 jersey at World Cup

David Raya insists all three goalkeepers vying for Spain’s No.1 jersey at the World Cup are there to help push each other.

The Arsenal shot-stopper is battling with Unai Simon and Joan Garcia to be picked by coach Luis de la Fuente ahead of Spain’s first match at the World Cup against Cape Verde on Monday.

“First of all, it’s a dream to be here,” Raya told reporters at Spain’s training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

“[This] is my second World Cup and, of course, (it would be) a dream to be part on the pitch. 

“Obviously, I’ve had a successful year with Arsenal, winning, like you said, my third Golden Glove and win the Premier League, but that I think doesn’t matter. 

“I think what matters is what the boss thinks, and what he thinks is the best for the team. So, we will see what happens on Monday, and I will respect any decision, and I’ll be there for the team if I’m starting or if I’m not. 

“So, as I have done always, I think, I’ve tried to help, no matter my role, and it will be like this for the rest of my career.”

On the battle to be Spain’s No.1, Raya added: “I think we’re three goalkeepers with different styles, so to speak, but they help you with everything. 

“They help you in situations where you might see things one way, they see it another way, so it makes you think, it makes you reflect on your thoughts, on moments during training, in every aspect. 

“Since we’re a small group that trains separately, with the goalkeeper coach, it keeps us at 100%, and when you’re at 100%, you want to be a little better every day, and they also want to be a little better every day. So, we’re constantly helping and pushing each other to be better.”