NEW Arsenal keeper David Raya has been thinking outside the box.
The loanee from Brentford reckons his ball skills are good enough to play an OUTFIELD role.
David Raya points forward, in more ways than one, after sealing his Arsenal moveGetty
That backs up the verdict of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who believes the Spaniard could be a “No10”.
Raya, 27, has even assessed exactly what level he could play at if he didn’t stick between the sticks.
And if anyone should know, he should – having worked his way up the leagues from a loan spell with fifth-tier Southport in 2014-15.
Brentford pouched Raya from Blackburn in 2019.
And he won two full caps last year as his outstanding Premier League form helped the Bees finish ninth last season.
Ahead of his switch to the Emirates, Raya told Brentford’s media team: “In Spain, I could play in the third division as an outfield player.”
He then explained to Arsenal’s website: “My brother always put me in a goal. With my mates, I always played outfield.
“I enjoyed playing further up the pitch and I think that’s why I’m comfortable on the ball.
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“Next to my house, there were always young guys playing on the futsal pitch. I always played outfield in those games.”
Raya must hope his extra ability with his feet helps him displace England ace Aaron Ramsdale, 25, as Gunners’ No1.
If it does make the difference, he might want to thank Klopp for his tiny role in bigging up his footwork.
After Liverpool’s 3-3 Prem draw at the Brentford Community Stadium in September 2021, the German said: “The goalkeeper could wear the number 10 shirt.
“He has sent several incredible balls, exactly what you should do when you play against us.”
Raya’s £3million loan deal includes the option of a £27m permanent move.
He signed a new two-year Brentford contract to protect his value just ahead of the move.
But Bees’ director of football Phil Giles explained: “It enables this deal to be done more rapidly, with all parties wanting to make this a permanent transfer as soon as practically possible.
“David’s contract extension is a fall-back position in the event that the transfer is not made permanent. I’m not expecting to see David back at Brentford, although if ever that happened then of course the opportunity to work with such a high-class goalkeeper for up to two more years would in many ways be an unexpected bonus.”