Arsenal signing Thomas Vermaelen says he's ready for his Premiership debut against Everton.

"I am not so tall, I know that, so you have to be good at reading the game," Vermaelen said.

"I think my heading game is good, I have a good jump and that is positive if you are a centre-back.

"On the field it is just very important to be smart and thinking all the time."

Vermaelen had been at Ajax since he was 15, and went on to make more than 140 first-team appearance, captaining the side last season as well as playing in the Champions League - which included two appearances against the Gunners in the 2005/06 group stages.

"I will always give 100%," he said. "I have a good mentality. I want to do my best for Arsenal, playing as well as I possibly can.

"I think I am decent in the air and technically, and I always want to battle on the pitch."