Journalist Dan Bardell has been heaping praise on Tottenham Hotspur target David Raya live on Sky Sports.
Spurs had been linked with goalkeepers in recent times including Jordan Pickford and Illan Meslier, and after Hugo Lloris’ high-profile error in the north London derby, the need for a new shot-stopper will have only increased.
Tottenham have recently been linked with Brentford ace Raya, who only has a contract until the summer of 2024, which could allow Daniel Levy to swoop in very soon and land a cut-price deal for Antonio Conte.
Raya is clearly not set on staying at Brentford beyond this season as he’s recently conducted an interview in Spain where he spoke about how he’d assess his options in the summer, which suggests he could move on in a couple of months.
Bardell has highlighted Raya’s key attributes, especially with the ball at his feet, while speaking live on Sky Sports amid his links to Spurs and the fact he leads the division in saves and passes from goalkeepers.
He said: “David Raya, to me now, the way goalkeepers are going, it’s starting to change. Obviously, for years now, managers have wanted goalkeepers that are good with their feet – he’s next-level with his feet, David Raya; he’s so, so good.
would Raya be an upgrade for Spurs?
Yes!
No!
“He’s a tremendous shot-stopper, I think we had the stats earlier that he’s made the most saves in the Premier League this season. He’s just a great goalkeeper. Clever recruitment yet again from Brentford, everyone they recruit goes up in value.
“Those numbers speak for themselves, definitely in the top three goalkeepers in the Premier League, looking at those stats.”
TIF Thoughts on Raya’s future…
Lloris’ error on Sunday was not the first that he’s made this season, with another big mistake coming against Newcastle United when he rushed out of his box and throw himself to the floor, leaving his goal wide open.
Therefore, being linked with goalkeepers is no surprise and given Raya’s age, contractual situation and apparent willingness to at least consider leaving Brentford, it could well be a very appealing deal for all parties to get done in the summer.
It’s very impressive that Raya is indeed leading the way in saves and attempted passes this season, as it highlights he’s got a great blend of modern and old-school goalkeeping in him to keep the ball out of his net but also start attacks off from his own box.