Lamine Yamal and Max Doman share one crucial quality, according to Spain and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, and that is the ability to play football “like they were playing at school”.
Yamal, 18, and Dauman, 15, are two of the most talented wingers in the world, albeit at different stages of their careers. Yamal was runner-up for this year’s Ballon d’Or and is a key player for club and country, while Doman has only made five appearances for Arsenal.
However, the England youth international tends to achieve big things, and while Raya declined to compare the pair’s ability in an exclusive interview with ESPN, he did share similarities in how they play the game.
“I will never compare two players, not even two players of this quality. They are two completely different players,” Raya said. “But what they have in common is that when they go out on the field, they enjoy it. They always play with a smile that looks like they play at school with it.
“They come out to play and have a good time. Obviously they’re competing to help the team, but it’s just the natural way they play football, and at the level they’re playing at, that’s unbelievable.”
Raya continued to praise Doman’s ability at such a young age.
He added: “He is 15 years old and will be 16 at the end of the year.” “It’s unbelievable.
“Obviously we don’t get to participate a lot in the locker room because he’s not allowed with the rules and everything. But sharing the pitch, the maturity he shows on the pitch, the willingness that he just has to enjoy it and be himself, facing the players, always with a smile on his face is unbelievable.”
“We’ve been popular with him since he was 14, so I’m very impressed with him and his quality and qualities as a player.”
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– Watch the full interview with David Raya on YouTube
Raya has established himself as a key cog in Arsenal’s defensive machine since joining the club in 2023, although there was a rumor that Real Madrid were interested in the Spain international following Thibaut Courtois’ anterior cruciate ligament injury. But Raya joined Arsenal – initially on loan – while Real Madrid instead signed Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Raya explained: “I know there are those rumours, but when Courtois is injured there, I already do the medical with Arsenal.” “So, there was no way that Real Madrid would call… Well, it would be very difficult for me to leave for Madrid. I think there is a rumour, but I don’t know about it.”
“The only contact I received from Real Madrid was when I had my serious injury and I appreciated that very much. When I had my knee injury, they sent me a message saying they hoped I would recover well. They sent me a lot of strength. The truth is that it is a very good gesture on their part, and they have no reason to do it, but the truth is that I appreciate it very much.”
