Derby County defender Dean Leacock rates Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has the toughest opponent he's faced this season.

"It's got to be Adebayor of Arsenal," Leacock told the Derby Telegraph.

"Adebayor's a real handful. He's big, strong and quick. He can head it and he's got two good feet," said Leacock.

"He's also very smart. One minute he doesn't look interested and the next he suddenly comes alive. I know we got battered at Arsenal but it was still a great experience to play at the Emirates because Arsenal were my team as a boy."

Leacock, who feels the standard in the top division has risen a level since he played their with Fulham, was also impressed with Petrov, Manchester City's Bulgarian international.

"He is very quick, and against us he put in some great crosses," said Leacock.

"Every team we play against has quality players and, hopefully, I can learn from playing against them, gain in experience and improve as a player.

"Playing against top players week in, week out for quite a young player like myself can only help me become a better player, hopefully.

"I feel I have learned a lot. I feel I have done OK this season, I've had a few disappointing games, but for a young player that is probably expected.

"You have to concentrate every second of the game in the Premier League or you can get punished."