David Raya expressed confidence in Spain’s goalkeeping options as the national team prepares for the upcoming World Cup. The Arsenal goalkeeper is competing with Unai Simon of Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona’s Joan Garcia for the starting position under coach Luis de la Fuente.

Raya, who played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years and their run to the Champions League final, emphasized that Spain is “in good hands” regardless of who starts between the posts. Simon, who has been Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper at the last three major tournaments—including Euro 2024, which Spain won—is widely expected to begin the tournament as the starter despite Garcia’s strong form for Barcelona.

“Since Unai debuted, he has performed at a really high level,” Raya said during a press conference at Spain’s training base in Chattanooga. “We have won the Nations League, the Euros with him, and he’s a great goalkeeper who has given us these titles.”

Raya’s career has largely unfolded in England after moving there as a teenager. He began at Blackburn Rovers, had a loan spell at sixth-tier Southport, and established himself in the Premier League with Brentford before joining Arsenal. Since arriving at Arsenal three years ago, he has consistently won the Premier League Golden Glove award for most clean sheets each season.

Despite his Premier League success, Raya acknowledged that his international recognition in Spain has been limited. “I remember the first time I came to the national team, sometimes they asked who I was,” he said. “I am doing my job for my club to be the best I can be and to be able to represent my country, which is the most important thing. I am here to help the team as much as possible and to win the second (World Cup) star.”

Raya’s performances at the club level have left little doubt about his quality following a standout season in which Arsenal ended a 22-year league title drought and reached the Champions League final for the first time in two decades. The Gunners ultimately fell to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout, missing out on their first European crown.

“Personally I think it was a very successful season and collectively it was spectacular,” Raya said. “We managed to win the Premier League, which was so wanted by our fans and by the club. It has been a great season and I am very happy with my performances as well.”

As Spain finalizes its squad and lineup for the World Cup, the goalkeeping debate may persist, but Raya’s remarks suggest a sense of unity and confidence within the team heading into the tournament.