Distribution notwithstanding I wonder what everyone else feels now regarding overall goalkeeping. From day 1 I felt Raya was a much better shot stopper than Ramsdale too. I felt Ramsdale last season let in a lot of goals that should have been saved. There is this trap a lot of young keepers fall into of just blocking shots instead of saving them. Not sure how to word this differently but it’s something you’ll notice if you pay attention. Raya makes saves and is careful about where the ball will go when he doesn’t catch it, if he is deflecting it he’s careful about where that deflection will go. The team just seems way more secure this season with Raya in goal, a lot of that is of course the continuity from last season’s progress but there’s something to be said for Raya’s effect too.
Also just to talk about his distribution, it really is superb and it’s clear he has put a lot of work and thought into his technique. He kicks it with the correct amount of spin and loft for the ball to stay afloat that split second longer than the defender anticipates, and this happens every single time apparently. His ground passes are crisp and accurate. He is confident and composed in possession. Overall he has elevated out play to a completely new level.
Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Jump Around
London Calling