Thierry Henry Champions David Raya for Player of the Season
March 18th, 2026
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry is advocating for goalkeeper David Raya as a contender for the Player of the Season award, following his remarkable displays in goal.
After Arsenal secured a decisive 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate score, Henry took to CBS Sports to highlight Raya’s contributions. While names like Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes often dominate the discussion for individual accolades, Henry asserts that the goalkeeper is the unsung hero propelling Arsenal’s impressive campaign.
“This guy should be in contention to be Player of the Season because of what he does for Arsenal every single time,” Henry said during the broadcast, as reported by Metro.
Raya: A £27 Million Bargain for Arsenal
There was much debate when Mikel Arteta opted to bring David Raya in from Brentford, replacing Aaron Ramsdale. However, those discussions have quieted as Raya has consistently demonstrated his value since joining the squad.
His transfer, costing Arsenal approximately £27 million, is quickly proving to be a savvy investment. Raya has delivered numerous world-class saves this season, solidifying his position as a reliable last line of defense for the Gunners.
With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League and advancing in multiple competitions, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, Raya’s exceptional distribution and ability to sweep have been invaluable to the team’s success.
Henry emphasized the often-overlooked impact of a goalkeeper: “It’s very difficult sometimes to see what a goalkeeper does, but he cannot make you win the game. He can make you hope that you’re not losing it by making saves, but he does that two to three times every single game. It’s just outstanding.”
Can Raya Claim the Player of the Season Title?
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