'We have to adapt' - what's going on with the new Premier League ball?

Arsenal's David Raya says Premier League goalkeepers still need to adapt to the new ball introduced this season, after he was was beaten by a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick in a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool.

This season Puma is the new official supplier of the match ball after Nike's contract ended in 2025.

When asked about the defining moment at Anfield, Raya said he is finding it difficult to adjust.

"It's a very good strike especially with the new balls and everything. We still have to adapt. It's going away from me so it's harder to gauge and save it," he said.

"It's different to the Nike ball so we have to adapt to it. The grip is different, the kick is different. We just have to adapt after playing with the Nike ball for many years. It's the same for everybody."

The 2025-26 ball - named Orbita Ultimate PL - has 12 panels - which is said to evenly distribute weight and keep the ball balanced. Puma describe the ball as having long-lasting durability and deeper seams to improve aerodynamics and shape retention.

"On average, a professional footballer has control of the ball for around 109 seconds every game, so when you have the ball at your feet you need to make it count and create moments that make a difference on the pitch," said Richard Teyssier, Puma marketing vice-president. back in June.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has previously been was critical of Puma balls. Last season he highlighted the same type of ball following Arsenal's League Cup semi-final exit to Newcastle.

"We kicked a lot of balls over the bar, and it's tricky that these balls fly a lot so there's details that we can do better," Arteta said.

Before Nike's 25-year partnership, the first official Premier League ball sponsor was Mitre - from 1992-2000.

The new ball made its first appearance in July at the Premier League Summer Series in the United States before being used in England's top flight this season.

Puma also supplies all EFL competitions, Mitre makes the FA Cup ball and Adidas the Champions League.

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