Kai Havertz has hailed David Raya as the best goalkeeper in the world after his heroics helped Arsenal secure a 1-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over Sporting Lisbon. Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute, but was quick to praise Raya's crucial saves that preserved Arsenal's clean sheet.

Raya made several vital stops, including tipping Maxi Araujo's powerful drive onto the bar and producing a brilliant near-post save from Geny Catamo. These saves came after manager Mikel Arteta faced criticism for selecting Kepa Arrizabalaga over Raya in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. The Spain international's early save from Araujo proved particularly crucial in changing the game's momentum.

Statistical analysis supports Raya's world-class status, with 13 clean sheets from 23 Champions League games since last season - the most in the competition. He has conceded only 12 goals from shots worth 21.07 expected goals, preventing over nine expected goals in the process. In the Premier League, Raya has kept 15 clean sheets this season and made only one error leading to a goal in 69 games across two campaigns. His composure in possession, completing 26 of 28 attempted passes against Sporting, further demonstrates his complete goalkeeper skillset.