Journalist Amy Lawrence has admitted she has a major concern about one Arsenal star, despite his recent feat.

Arsenal have been extremely impressive as a defensive unit this season.

No side in the Premier League has conceded fewer goals than the Gunners, who have seen their net breached just 28 times in 36 matches.

David Raya has played a huge role in this solidity. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has now been recognised for his efforts as he has been awarded the Golden Glove – a personal award for having kept the most clean sheets in the top flight of English football. 

Although there are still games left to play this season, Raya’s lead in this regard is now unassailable. The Spaniard has kept 15 clean sheets for the Gunners this season, despite having only made 30 Premier League appearances for the club.

Amy Lawrence raises concern about Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya

He has gained plenty of admirers this season. Raya has even been tipped as an outside candidate to win the Arsenal Player of the Season award. 

However, he also has his doubters, too. Raya has come in for criticism at times, as Mikel Arteta’s faith in the Brentford loanee has been questioned. For all of his impressive displays, the goalkeeper has committed a number of errors this season. 

Amy Lawrence certainly feels that Raya has his shortcomings. Speaking on the Handbrake Off podcast, she said: “If I was trying to, kind of, build my identikit perfect goalkeeper, he’d probably have a bit more physicality and a few more inches…be a little taller. Have a bit more reach…He’s not the tallest goalkeeper, that’s a fact.”

Why Arsenal are set to stick with David Raya

At just 6’0”, Raya certainly isn’t the tallest of ‘keepers. Whilst he excels at coming off his line to claim crosses that are delivered into his penalty area, his slight lack of stature means that he is occasionally beaten by the kind of shot that a more imposing figure in goal would be expected to keep out.

A goal Arsenal conceded against Porto in the Champions League certainly started a debate about Raya, as many felt his lack of reach cost the Gunners in that encounter. 

However, despite Lawrence’s concerns, the North London club are set to stick with Arteta’s No. 1. It has been stated that Arsenal will sign Raya on a permanent basis in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

It is also worth noting that, whatever faults he may have, the Arsenal defence are clearly comfortable playing with Raya behind them. They trust him, and as a unit it’s hard to ask for more from Arsenal’s rearguard. It seems that what he lacks in physicality, Raya makes up for with personality.