Arsenal’s David Raya says Premier League goalkeepers nonetheless must adapt to the brand new ball launched this season, after he was was overwhelmed by a shocking Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick in a .
This season Puma is the brand new official provider of the match ball after Nike’s contract led to 2025.
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When requested in regards to the defining second at Anfield, Raya mentioned he’s discovering it tough to regulate.
“It is an excellent strike particularly with the brand new balls and every thing. We nonetheless must adapt. It is going away from me so it is more durable to gauge and put it aside,” he mentioned.
“It is completely different to the Nike ball so we’ve to adapt to it. The grip is completely different, the kick is completely different. We simply must adapt after taking part in with the Nike ball for a few years. It is the identical for everyone.”
The 2025-26 ball – named Orbita Final PL – has 12 panels – which is claimed to evenly distribute weight and preserve the ball balanced. Puma describe the ball as having long-lasting sturdiness and deeper seams to enhance aerodynamics and form retention.
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“On common, an expert footballer has management of the ball for round 109 seconds each sport, so when you might have the ball at your toes it’s worthwhile to make it rely and create moments that make a distinction on the pitch,” mentioned Richard Teyssier, Puma advertising vice-president. again in June.
Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta has beforehand been was important of Puma balls. Final season he highlighted the identical sort of ball following Arsenal’s League Cup semi-final exit to Newcastle.
“We kicked plenty of balls over the bar, and it is tough that these balls fly lots so there’s particulars that we will do higher,” Arteta mentioned.
Earlier than Nike’s 25-year partnership, the primary official Premier League ball sponsor was Mitre – from 1992-2000.
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The brand new ball made its first look in July on the Premier League Summer time Sequence in the US earlier than being utilized in England’s high flight this season.
Puma additionally provides all EFL competitions, Mitre makes the FA Cup ball and Adidas the Champions League.
This text is the most recent from BBC Sport’s group.
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