Image via: CBS.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has backed goalkeeper David Raya to win the player of the year award after his impressive performance.
When an iconic, record-breaking striker starts campaigning against a goalkeeper to win the top individual honour, you know he’s been special.
After Arsenal’s comfortable 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, which safely booked their ticket to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate win, Henry used his platform on CBS Sports to give the Gunners’ number one his absolute best.
While the usual suspects like Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes always dominate the Premier League Player of the Season discussions, Henry firmly believes that the man between the sticks is the unsung hero keeping Arsenal’s historic season going.
“This guy should be in contention for player of the season because of what he does for Arsenal every time,” Henry said so on the radio, as reported by Metro.
Raya is Arsenal’s £27 Million star
Remember when Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya sparked heated debates among Arsenal fans and the media? Well, no one is arguing anymore.
Securing the Spain international permanently to Brentford for a reported fee of £27 million looks like a huge sum now.
He has been consistent for the Gunners and some of his performances this season have been world class.
Raya has been an absolute brick wall for Arteta’s side this 2025/26 campaign.
With Arsenal currently sitting atop the Premier League, preparing for the Carabao Cup final, and heading deep into the FA and European Cups, Raya’s elite distribution and sweeping skills have been the ultimate safety net.
Henry continued:
“It is very difficult sometimes to see what the goalkeeper is doing but he cannot win the game, he can make you hope that you will not lose a save but he does that two or three times in one game.
Can Raya win Player of the Season?
He deserves to be in the discussion but the overwhelming favorite has to be Rice.
The midfielder has been the most consistent player in Arteta’s side and his performances have been widely praised by players and commentators.
He controls the ropes in midfield and plays a leadership role well despite not wearing the captain’s armband at the club.
As for Raya, the other Golden Glove looks to have a lot of potential this season and could easily earn a spot on the Team of the Season.
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