David Raya couldn’t hide his admiration for Viktor Gyökeres after Arsenal’s 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The Spanish goalkeeper revealed that Gyökeres often leaves him helpless during training, scoring outrageous goals whenever he’s paired with a certain Arsenal teammate. Raya joked that he dreads facing the Swedish striker because of how effortlessly he finds the back of the net, describing him as a relentless finisher who makes goalkeeping a nightmare.
The Gunners’ convincing win over Atletico marked their fourth consecutive clean sheet across all competitions, a testament to their defensive solidity and attacking balance. Despite Raya’s early blunder when he rushed out of the box and nearly gifted Julian Alvarez a goal, Arsenal stayed composed and completely dominated the game. Their chemistry, pressing, and creativity in midfield were too much for the Spanish giants to handle, leaving Atletico frustrated and without answers.
After the match, Raya spoke to the media in the mixed zone, shifting attention from the game to his teammates’ performances. When asked about Arsenal’s summer signing, Piero Hincapié, Raya was full of praise for the Ecuadorian defender. He called Hincapié a “great player” who has simply been unlucky with a groin injury that’s delayed his impact at the club. Raya emphasized that despite the setback, the young defender has the qualities to thrive once he gets fit and settles into the rhythm of English football.
Hincapié joined Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer window, with the club including an obligation to buy for around £45 million if certain performance conditions are met. Though fans have not yet seen much of him, insiders at the club believe he’ll become a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term defensive setup. His composure on the ball, aggression in duels, and ability to play from the back fit perfectly into Arsenal’s tactical philosophy.
The Ecuadorian has yet to make his competitive debut, but the festive period promises opportunities for rotation, giving him a chance to shine. Arteta has been cautious about rushing him back from injury, preferring to let him regain full fitness before throwing him into the high-tempo environment of the Premier League. Once available, Hincapié is expected to feature regularly, particularly in domestic fixtures where squad depth is vital.
Currently, Gabriel Magalhães holds the left centre-back position firmly, forming a reliable partnership with William Saliba. However, Hincapié could be introduced late in matches to ease the workload on Gabriel and gradually integrate into the first team. Arteta has always valued defensive versatility, and Hincapié offers just that — a player comfortable in multiple roles along the backline.
Interestingly, the Ecuadorian can also operate as a left-back when needed, though competition in that position is fierce. Riccardo Calafiori and young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly have both impressed recently, leaving Arteta spoiled for choice. This internal competition, though tough, ensures the squad remains sharp and no one’s place is guaranteed — exactly the kind of atmosphere Arteta thrives on building.
As Arsenal prepare for their next Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, Hincapié could finally make his league debut. If the Gunners maintain a strong lead, Arteta might hand him a few minutes to ease into English football. For now, Raya’s praise and the team’s current form suggest Arsenal’s depth and mentality are only getting stronger — a sign that the Gunners’ title ambitions this season are no mere dream, but a gathering storm.
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