David Raya: Arsenal goalkeeper’s journey from non-league to Champions League final

Raya returned to Blackburn and played in the Championship, but had to wait for the club to be relegated to League One to become first choice in 2017.

He proved effective for Rovers, immediately helping them return to the second tier.

Jayson Leutwiler was Raya’s backup goalkeeper at Blackburn and saw the Spaniard make match-winning saves become very regular during his time at Arsenal.

“He was able to make saves that made you think, ‘Wow, this is a shot that one in 10 times he can save,'” the former Canada international said.

“But if it happens four, five or six times during the season, it’s not a coincidence.”

Leutwiler has played in England’s lower football leagues and believes that playing at this level provides great advantages for the development of goalkeepers.

“You are exposed to smaller crowds, you are exposed to different pressures, there are tough leagues, it is more physical, you have to adapt a little more,” the 37-year-old added.

“When the conditions are not so good you can go to a great football ground on Saturday and weekend, maybe a smaller crowd and that just helps you be more resilient when you go into a bigger game at any level.”

Raya was signed from Brentford for £3 million in 2019, while Arsenal agreed a £27 million loan deal five years later.

After a disappointing debut at Macclesfield, he went on to shine for club and country as part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad, helping Arsenal win the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Now the Gunners and Raya will double their dream if they beat PSG in Budapest and make their former colleague proud of his achievements.

“He had confidence and determination, but that didn’t stop him from being a good teammate,” Carden said.

“Everyone who crossed paths with him while he was at Southport was delighted. It’s a real honor for him.

“I don’t think anyone could have written this story, that’s why it’s such a good story.”