Arsenal’s David Raya told reporters the fight for Spain’s No.1 jersey will sharpen the team ahead of the World Cup. Raya, a League Golden Glove winner, now vies with Barcelona’s Joan García and Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simón for the starting role. He said the rivalry forces each keeper to raise his level and complicates Luis de la Fuente’s selection. Raya believes his experience adds a tactical edge.

Spain opened its warm‑up schedule with a 1‑1 draw against Iraq, where García’s mistake supplied the opposition goal. Simón rebounded in a 3‑1 win over Peru, while Raya featured only the second half. Raya argued the media debate over the trio is natural, noting his absence from domestic Spanish football has kept him under radar. He emphasized that internal competition benefits national team’s cohesion.

Raya, who left Spain for England in 2012 and debuted for the national side in 2022, dismissed any notion of switching allegiance to England, insisting he feels Spanish. With Spain’s Group H fixtures against Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay looming, the keeper battle will shape opening three matches and could dictate squad’s stability. The outcome will influence de la Fuente’s rotation strategy throughout the tournament.