David Raya explains why he doesn't need to be 'mentally stronger' amid Arsenal pressure
- Arsenal signed David Raya on initial loan from Brentford during summer transfer window
- Spain international is now the Gunners' starting goalkeeper
- Raya is playing for major honours for first time in his career
By Sean Walsh
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has insisted he did not need to become 'mentally stronger' in order to rise to the challenge of playing for a title contender.
Raya joined the Gunners from Brentford on an initial season-long loan during the 2023 summer transfer window. The deal comes with an optional purchase clause and 90min understands Arsenal have told Raya this will be triggered.
The Spain international has become a near ever-present for Arsenal since coming into Mikel Arteta's starting lineup in September. In an interview with the club's website, Raya discussed the challenges of adapting to life with a big team but downplayed suggestions he needed to improve his mentality.
"It's been a great change, a great move. I've experienced a lot of new things, especially at a club as big as Arsenal. It's one of the best clubs in the world, so the challenge has been incredible and I'm still adapting to the club and everything here," Raya said.
"Pressure is what you put on your shoulders. If you believe in yourself, you've got a big part to play and I don't try to think so much about it. I'm just trying to enjoy the moment, every single training session and, every time I go on the pitch, to help the team. I'm just focusing on that and not focusing so much on the pressure or what's going on outside the club.
"It's not that you have to be mentally stronger, it's just new challenges that I have never experienced, so just trying to adapt as quickly as possible to a title race and playing in the Champions League for the first time. I've dealt very well with all of that stuff so I'm really happy with how it's going and hopefully it can go better."
Raya has been criticised for some of his performances in an Arsenal shirt so far this season, with pundits often speculating whether he should be dropped and replaced by former starter Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal and Raya's next match comes on Thursday night when West Ham United visit the Emirates Stadium.
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