David Raya is finally getting the respect he so richly deserves

Winning the Premier League title seems to have been a turning point for how Arsenal players are perceived, and it makes sense.

For so long, the stars of Mikel Arteta's project have been undermined and disrespected. Their abilities have been underplayed, whilst Arteta himself has had to bat off constant criticism and scepticism over his true level as a coach.

The Gunners needed a major honour to validate themselves in the eyes of others, and finally claiming the title appears to have done this. They are no longer looked down upon or dismissed for not being able to get over the line.

Instead, they are being worshipped in mainstream media, and this should only prove to be a positive in the grand scheme of things. Arteta's key players should be feeling themselves as they earn more plaudits from the wider footballing landscape.

David Raya named as ninth best player in the Premier League

David Raya is among the Arsenal players who have had to put up with their fair share of grief from pundits and fans alike in recent years. After first joining the North London club, the Spaniard's performances were put under a microscope, with many questioning the Gunners' decision to part ways with his predecessor, the hugely popular Aaron Ramsdale. Every mistake was magnified, and this undoubtedly would've taken its toll on Raya mentally.

However, he came through this difficult early period with flying colours, quickly establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet - at least in the eyes of keen Arsenal observers. Those who have watched the Gunners weekly in recent years have been raving about Raya for some time.

His ability to claim crosses is unparalleled, while his distribution is immaculate and his shot-stopping is elite. There's nothing he can't do that other goalkeepers can, and this has been obvious for at least two full seasons now.

However, there has also been a reticence to crown the Arsenal number one as one of the best, if not the best, in his position in the Premier League and perhaps even in Europe.

That was until Arsenal secured their status as champions of England. Since then, those who dictate the narrative have been quick to shower Raya with praise, celebrating him as one of the greatest keepers in world football.

This is reflected in the Athletic's latest top 50 Premier League players list, released on Wednesday morning. Raya is the highest-ranked goalkeeper, while only eight outfielders are ahead of him, including five Arsenal players.

Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba are all deemed better than Raya, alongside Erling Haaland, Elliot Anderson and Bruno Fernandes.

Of course, comparing a goalkeeper to a striker is somewhat redundant, but the overall consensus that Raya is one of the best players in the league shows that he's finally getting the credit he deserves. After years of being slightly overlooked, it feels as though his brilliance is only now being truly appreciated by the rest of football.

Sections of the Arsenal world may have somewhat mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, widespread recognition about their club's players' abilities should prove to be a nice morale boost that'll help them feel more confident.

On the other hand, it can be nice to keep this brilliance under wraps, both to prevent opposition clubs from trying to swoop in and to reduce the pressure on these players.

Regardless, it's pleasant to see Raya in the limelight. His excellence could only be hidden for so long, particularly given that he's on for four straight Golden Glove awards.

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