“You need to look at what is in front of Raya” - Micah Richards names 2 goalkeepers who are better than Arsenal shot-stopper

Former Manchester City star Micah Richards has named Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and Liverpool's Alisson as better goalkeepers than Arsenal's David Raya. The defender-turned-pundit believes the Spaniard does well because of his defenders more than his own abilities.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker put forward the topic of the best goalkeepers in the world. He swiftly named Real Madrid's Courtois, and then added Raya.

He went on to name Alisson, Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak as his other picks, and said:

"Who's the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment? I quite like these conversations. You've got Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid and Raya at Arsenal, who has barely conceded a goal this season. Alisson is injured at the moment, but has been at the top for years. You’ve got Donnarumma as well." "There’s some great goalkeepers around right now isn’t there? Oblak is worth a mention as well, he’s been great for Atletico. The art of goalkeeping has definitely got better, they’re bigger generally for a start."

Richards was not in favor of Raya being among the best in the world, claiming that the goalkeeper was not conceding goals because of the defenders in front of him. He believes that the Arsenal star is climbing up the ladder, but Alisson and Courtois are better right now. He said:

"Yes, but you need to look at what is in front of Raya. Thibaut Courtois has been the best goalkeeper in the world for a while. I would say, in the Premier League, it would be Alisson. Raya is on his way to being the best, certainly, but what Allison done. His one-on-one shots stopping is ridiculous."

David Raya has conceded just five goals in 11 matches in the Premier League this season.

Arsenal legend slams David Raya for Sunderland draw

Arsenal legend David Seaman has blamed the Sunderland draw on David Raya. He believes that the goalkeeper should have not come out for the ball in the final minutes that led to the equalizer and said on the Premier League Productions (via Football London):

"Whether Raya should come, I'd question that. And the way he comes for the ball, he tries to catch it, is he aware of the guy [Brobbey] getting close? It's a great finish by Brobbey but I would just question the decision of Raya, whether he should come and try to punch it, rather than try to catch it."

Arsenal are on top of the Premier League table with 26 points after 11 matches. Manchester City are now sitting second in the table with 22 points, two ahead of third-placed Chelsea.

Edited by Sripad