Onana's Double Save: A Masterclass, But Does It Top Raya's Effort?
Remember that insane double save by André Onana against Manchester United? It was a moment of absolute brilliance, a testament to his incredible reflexes and composure. But does it stand up to the legendary double save by Gianluigi Donnarumma against Spain in the Euro 2020 semi-finals?
Let's dive into the details, comparing these two incredible goalkeeping feats.
Onana's Masterclass: A Calm Under Pressure
Onana's double save was a textbook example of how a goalkeeper should react in a high-pressure situation. Facing Marcus Rashford, he first denied him a point-blank shot with a strong hand. The rebound fell to Alejandro Garnacho, who looked certain to score, but Onana reacted instantaneously, pushing the shot wide with his right foot. Talk about keeping your cool!
This save was all about quick reflexes and anticipation. Onana was alert, anticipating Rashford's shot and reacting swiftly to the rebound. His second save was a display of incredible composure, perfectly timing his foot to deflect the ball away from goal.
Raya's Heroic Effort: A Defining Moment
David Raya's save against Spain wasn't just incredible, it was a defining moment in the game. In the 84th minute, with the score locked at 1-1, Dani Olmo unleashed a thunderous strike towards the top corner. Raya, seemingly out of position, somehow managed to get his fingertips to the ball, deflecting it onto the crossbar. The ball then rebounded straight at Alvaro Morata, who headed the ball towards the empty net, only for Raya to get back in time and make a stunning fingertip save.
Raya's save was a display of athleticism and pure willpower. He was out of position, yet he somehow managed to stretch his body and get a hand to the ball. The second save was a testament to his commitment, as he reacted quickly to the rebound, ensuring Spain didn't get a second bite of the cherry.
The Verdict: A Tie?
Both saves were unbelievable, but it's difficult to choose between the two. Onana's save was a masterclass in composure and anticipation, while Raya's save was a display of pure athleticism and commitment. It's like comparing apples and oranges.
Ultimately, it's up to the individual viewer to decide which save they consider to be the best. Both Onana and Raya are incredible goalkeepers who have proven their quality on numerous occasions. These saves were just a glimpse into their remarkable abilities.