David Raya is fighting for a place in the goalkeeper of the Spanish national team

David Raya is happy to compete for a place in goal for Spain at the World Cup. Raya, who has played a key role in Arsenal's success in recent seasons, was outstanding as the Gunners won the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final in the 2025-26 season. Since making his debut for Arsenal in September 2023, the 30-year-old goalkeeper has kept 48 clean sheets in the Premier League, which is 12 better than any other player. Last season he had the seventh best save efficiency in the league (69.8%), but despite his excellent form, he is not perceived as the first choice for the Spanish national team.  Unai Simon remains a pillar of the team under Luis de la Fuente and played a key role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024. The Athletic club's goalkeeper seems a certainty to play in Spain's first match at the World Cup against Cape Verde on Monday, but Raya is not losing heart in this competition. "We approach this debate with complete naturalness," Raya said. "There has always been a lot of competition, with the goalkeepers we have. We try to motivate each other to play better and make it difficult for the coach to choose. We are here to help each other. Whoever plays the first, second and third game will give their best. It is normal that in the media, with Joan and Unai playing in LaLiga, there is a debate. I was away from Spain for a long time. I remember that when I first came to the national team, people asked who I was. I try to make the coach's decision difficult." Spain will be playing in their 17th World Cup, their 13th in a row.