During that period, Arsenal’s goalkeeper was an unprofessory, unidentified Spanish scholar who had left the relative obscurity of Blackburn’s youth system for the sunlight of his native Barcelona.

Raya had joined as a result of the Championship club’s affiliation with Cornella, a Catalonian third-tier club. Furthermore, little was known about him.

As he neared his sixteenth birthday, his command of the English language was scarcely adequate, and he had cut his teeth playing futsal. This is hardly a preparation for the physically demanding environment of the NFL.

Even though the adolescent had only been with Rovers for a few months prior to the arrival of goalkeeping coach John Keeley, he was already generating some curiosity.

Therefore, upon learning that an academy prospect appeared to be quite useful, Keeley immediately invited Raya to train with the first squad. He was astounded by the youngster’s abilities.

The coach had collaborated with numerous notable individuals throughout his career, including current Brighton No. 1 Jason Steele and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Nonetheless, Keeley, who is not one to be amused by exaggerated claims, was nonetheless impressed by Raya during that initial session.

He recollected: “I instructed him to consistently train with the first team following his initial session.

“It would be acceptable if he participated in the youth team; however, he was required to train alongside us.”

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“He was immediately at ease with the ball at his feet and gave every pass with assurance. He was unfazed by any error he might commit.

“Moreover, he possessed enormous palms. His glove was a size 11, which is an enormous one. It is from his grandfather, as mine vanished when we met and shook palms!

“I assured numerous goalkeeping coaches, in accordance with the Gospel truth, that this youngster would make his debut in the Premier League.” “I had no doubt that he would do so.”

Obviously, that was still a planet away. Prior to making an impact at Rovers, he was on loan at non-league Southport.

This merely reinforced Keeley’s conviction, and he continued, “When I used to attend, that was the one game that particularly stood out: their FA Cup match against Derby.”

“David was phenomenal; it took a penalty kick at the last minute to defeat him, and his confidence grew and grew from that point forward.”

To the extent that manager Gary Bowyer granted him his first-team debut at Leeds two games into the season’s conclusion. He performed admirably in a 3-0 victory.

“About three minutes in, he made an incredible save on a deflection off one of his own players,” Keeley said.

“Five or six minutes later, he began converting free-kicks from the halfway line.” “He was that confident, and so were the others, in allowing this child to do it.”

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The following season, Raya began as the starting lineup, but Rovers were ailing. Bowyer removed him for his own development, and he did not secure the uniform until the following year.

He was instrumental in Blackburn’s reintegration into the Championship on their very first attempt after being relegated, and a year later they were acquired by Brentford.

Following Raya’s stellar performance as the Bees lighted up the Premier League en route to the Premier League, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta determined he might be the individual to advance Arsenal from last season’s runners-up.

However, although his August transfer—which began as a 12-month loan before concluding with a £27 million acquisition—astonished a number of individuals, not his two former Blackburn mentors.

Arteta has appointed Raya, 28, as his No. 1 backup in lieu of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who, despite his heroics last season, has been demoted to the bench.

Bowyer, who left Dundee shortly after winning the Scottish Championship, is now considering a return to football. He stated, “I may have come as a surprise to some, but I am currently in the Arteta camp.

“Obviously, David is in a considerably greater amount of media attention, but he is so composed and relaxed that that was never expected to be an issue.”

Keeley shared his conviction that Raya would never serve as Ramsdale’s backup at the Emirates, contrary to what some had speculated.

“People believed he would be on the bench, but that was never the case; he was destined to be No. 1.” he insisted.