Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya recently offered high praise for his counterpart at Liverpool, Alisson Becker, naming the Brazilian among the best in the world and highlighting his strength in one-on-one situations. Raya’s comments come as the two goalkeepers prepare to face each other in an upcoming match between their clubs.
Speaking with former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster on Amazon Prime, Raya was asked to identify the top keepers globally. He listed Alisson alongside Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel.
Raya singled out Alisson’s effectiveness when facing opponents driving toward goal. "I think Alisson is just…the one vs ones, he saves everything," Raya said. "I don’t know how he does it, he saves every single one on one.”
The Spain international explained he studies Alisson's technique to understand his success. He noted Alisson's ability to get close to the ball quickly and his reading of attacking plays, such as when an opponent takes a slightly heavy touch.
He described Alisson's reading of these situations as "incredible." Raya added that Alisson has been a top goalkeeper for many years, possessing quality and experience that provide an "extra edge" in making saves.
Alisson has appeared in 32 of Liverpool's 53 games this season, with time missed due to injury. When available, he is widely regarded as one of the sport's premier players in his position.
Raya himself is having a strong season and is competing for the Premier League Golden Glove, awarded for the most clean sheets. He currently has 12, trailing Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels, who leads with 13. Alisson has kept nine Premier League clean sheets this season.
The praise from Raya adds anticipation ahead of the Liverpool versus Arsenal match, where both goalkeepers are expected to play key roles.
"I don’t know how he does it, he saves every single one on one,” Raya said of Alisson.
