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

Raya was due to return to Blackburn and play in the Championship but had to wait until the club were relegated to League One in 2017 to become first choice.

He proved instrumental to Rovers as they helped them climb back into second place.

Jason Leuwiler was Raya’s back-up goalkeeper at Blackburn and saw the Spaniard’s game-winning goals become a regular feature during his time at Arsenal.

“He’s been able to make saves that make you think, ‘Wow, that’s a one-in-10 shot he’s going to save,'” said the former Canadian international.

But when it happens four, five or six times a season, that’s no coincidence.

Lhuiller has played in the English lower leagues and believes playing at that level is a huge advantage in developing goalkeepers.

The 37-year-old added: “You’re exposed to smaller people, you’re exposed to different pressures, they’re tougher leagues, it’s more physical, you have to adapt a bit more.

“When the conditions are not good, you can go to a great football ground on Saturdays and weekends, maybe a smaller crowd and at any level it helps you to be stronger when it comes to a big game.”

Raya was signed by Brentford for £3m in 2019, before Arsenal completed a £27m deal after a loan spell.

From that disappointing debut at Macclesfield, he went on to shine for club and country – forming part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad and helping Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Now the Gunners and Raya will have a dream come true if they beat PSG in Budapest and make his old team-mates proud.

Carden said: “He had that confidence, but it didn’t stop him from being a great teammate.

“Everyone who crossed paths with him at Southport was delighted. It’s a real credit to him.

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