Arsenal defender Vermaelen: Drogba, Bolton striker Davies hard to handle

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen rates Chelsea striker Didier Drogba among the best he's faced.

Vermaelen will again be tackling Drogba tomorrow at Stamford Bridge.

He told the Daily Mail: "Kevin Davies from Bolton is one of the best in the air. He's good with his head but he doesn't always jump. He just stands there using his body and holding you back. Everton's Tim Cahill is great in the air and he's not big.

"All the strikers in England are physical. I think Drogba is the most physical but there is more to him than that. He's one of the best in the world. He is so strong that you have to be careful. If you mark him too tight, he grabs you and he's gone.

"You have to adjust to the way he plays. If you are really convinced you can win the header, then you have to go for it. But sometimes he uses his body so well that when you jump, he can turn away and you've lost him. You have to be smart. Sometimes, let him control the ball and then mark him really tight."