Kai Havertz singles out ‘underestimated’ Arsenal star after Champions League win vs Sporting

Kai Havertz scored Arsenal’s winner to beat Sporting CP (Prime Video)

Kai Havertz believes David Raya is ‘underestimated in world football’ after his impressive performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League.

Havertz’s goal in injury time sealed a last-gasp victory for Mikel Arteta’s side in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Sporting on Tuesday night.

But the Gunners were heavily reliant on another brilliant performance from Raya as the Spaniard pulled off a series of excellent saves to help keep a clean sheet.

Raya was named UEFA’s Player of the Match for his display and Havertz feels the Arsenal goalkeeper showed why he should be regarded as the best in world football.

When asked about Raya’s performance, Havertz told Prime Video: ‘It’s unbelievable.

‘I think still underestimated in the world of football but, for me, the last two seasons, the best keeper in the world.

David Raya was named UEFA’s Player of the Match for his performance in Arsenal’s win against Sporting CP (UEFA via Getty)

‘He’s outstanding, he’s saved us so many times and we’re very glad to have him.’

Arteta, meanwhile, reiterated that Arsenal are ‘very lucky’ to have Raya as their goalkeeper.

‘He had two moments where he made two big saves. And that’s the Champions League, the Champions League is always decided in the boxes and because there’s so much quality here,’ Arteta said.

‘At the moment he’s phenomenal and extraordinary since he joined us. We are very lucky to have him.’

In his post-match press conference, Arteta added: ‘He’s extraordinary, magnificent, incredible, I don’t know the right adjective.

‘With that it’s enough. We are so happy to have him.’

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