Spain boss explains why Arsenal’s Raya remains second choice

Credit: Getty Images

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has defended his decision to continue selecting Unai Simón ahead of Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya for the national team, despite widespread recognition of Raya’s exceptional performances at club level.

The Arsenal number one has established himself as one of Europe’s premier goalkeepers, earning praise from across the Premier League and beyond. However, his path to Spain’s first-choice position remains blocked by Athletic Bilbao’s Simón, who has maintained his status as de la Fuente’s preferred option.

De la Fuente once again selected Simón for Spain’s recent 3-0 victory over Serbia, prompting questions about Raya’s continued absence from the starting lineup. The manager has shown unwavering loyalty to Simón throughout his tenure, valuing the consistency and experience the Athletic Bilbao keeper brings to the crucial position.

Manager backs his selection

According to the Metro, de la Fuente addressed the ongoing debate surrounding his goalkeeper selection with a robust defence of Simón’s standing.

“It would be unfair if we didn’t value Unai’s quality, class, career, and professional experience. It would be absurd for me to have to come here and reaffirm it, just because he’s Unai Simon. When a goalkeeper is at this level, you have to respect his standing and his career.”

The Spain boss also acknowledged the quality of other options at his disposal, including Raya, while emphasising the competitive nature of the position.

“Besides, we have David Raya, who I’m eager for you to ask me about. In England, they consider him the best goalkeeper in the world, and here nobody talks about him. The same goes for Joan Garcia and Alex Remiro, let’s be fair. But Unai Simon is indisputable. The others have a lot of talent and class, but everything in its own time.”

Depth of talent

Spain’s goalkeeping department boasts remarkable depth, with several high-quality options competing for recognition. Beyond Raya and Simón, players like Joan Garcia and Alex Remiro also feature in the national setup, creating intense competition for places.

For Raya, the situation requires patience as he continues to excel at club level with Arsenal. His performances in the Premier League have drawn widespread acclaim, with many considering him among the world’s elite goalkeepers.

The Arsenal shot-stopper will likely need to maintain his exceptional form while waiting for opportunities to prove himself on the international stage. De la Fuente’s comments suggest that while he recognises Raya’s quality, the manager values stability and experience in his selection process, making any immediate change unlikely.