Arsenal star David Raya has heaped special praise on Barcelona ace Joan Garcia for the latter’s fine debut campaign at the Blaugrana.
Garcia, 24, has established himself as one of the best shot-stoppers in the La Liga since leaving Espanyol for around £22 million last summer. He has helped his new team launch a dominant title push this season, replacing Marc-Andre ter Stegen as their first-choice goalkeeper in the process.
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During an interaction on Catalunya Radio, Raya asserted that Garcia has provided an excellent account of himself at Barcelona this campaign. He claimed (h/t Barca Universal):
“Joan Garcia is at a very high level. Barça wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for him. He’s a good guy, which is important, and he’s a goalkeeper. If the (Spain) coach decides he has to play, we’ll help him from the start.”
Left out of Spain’s squad for their 3-0 friendly win against Serbia earlier this Friday, Garcia could make his international debut next Tuesday. The Blaugrana man, who is competing with Arsenal’s Raya and Athletic Club’s Unai Simon, could start in the clash against Japan on March 31.
At club level, Garcia has made 36 appearances in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s outfit so far this term. He has registered 15 total clean sheets, conceding 35 goals in 3232 minutes of first-team action for the Catalans.
David Raya shares thoughts on Arsenal potentially facing Barcelona in Champions League
Speaking on Catalunya Radio, David Raya also suggested that he would relish the chance to face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals this season. He said (h/t Barca Universal):
“It would be an honour to be able to face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They are a very well-worked team, both defensively and offensively. And it is proven that they are getting very good results both in the league and in the Champions League.”
For Arsenal to face the Blaugranathe Gunners would have to beat Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals. On the other hand, the Catalans would have to knock out Atletico Madrid in their last eight tie.
Raya, meanwhile, is relishing a standout 2025-26 season for Arsenal. He has kept 21 clean sheets in 40 appearances across all competitions, shipping only 25 goals. He has proved to be a vital reason behind his side’s ongoing push for a treble, with the club leading the Premier League table.
Edited by Debkalpa Banerjee
