David Raya: Brentford's Sweeper-Keeper in Goal

The Champions League Final was a tale of two keepers unafraid to take responsibility in possession. Ederson and André Onana have a case for being the two strongest goalkeepers in Europe with the ball at their feet. But one man who's hoping to stake a claim for this position by securing a move to an elite-level club this summer is David Raya. 

The Spanish shot-stopper has long since declared his desire to leave Brentford and has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, although those rumors have cooled off with Spurs reportedly pursuing a cheaper option in Empoli's Guglielmo Vicario. With one year left on his contract, the Spaniard has been adamant about leaving the club and it seems Brentford are eager to offload him, having already signed Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Freiburg. Chelsea are pursuing a new goalkeeper with Edouard Mendy set for a move to Saudi Arabia, whilst David De Gea's future remains unclear at Manchester United -- both sides could emerge as a potential suitor for Raya should Tottenham decide to look elsewhere.

It’s common knowledge amongst Premier League fans that veteran keeper and club captain Hugo Lloris has a mistake in him, and the stats back this up - no player made more errors leading to goals than the Frenchman last season (4). A good shot-stopper, with years of top-level experience, Lloris has always struggled with the ball at his feet, whether that’s through his distribution or his composure under pressure, and after 10 years at Tottenham, there’s a mutual understanding that it’s best for all parties if the 36-year-old moves on. 

Raya, on the other hand, couldn’t be more different. Defending on the front foot, he’s comfortable in possession, taking more than 45 touches per 90, according to FBref, whilst his 1.42 defensive actions outside the penalty area showcase his willingness to position himself higher up the pitch and take an active role in build-up-play.