GEORGE BOATENG is intent on measuring up to "the best'' when he confronts Arsenal's Patrick Vieira at the Riverside tomorrow.

The Middlesbrough midfielder refuses to be daunted by the prospect of trying to shackle the much-vaunted Vieira.

Both players have had their injury problems in recent months; Vieira missed the end of last season, while Boateng is still striving for full fitness following ankle surgery.

Nevertheless, Boateng is eagerly anticipating another opportunity to pit his wits against the Frenchman.

"He's brilliant, the best in his class at the moment,'' insisted Boateng. "He's just come back from an injury, but I've played against him a few times and when he's fit he's the best.

"He's brilliant in every respect: tackling, skills and vision. And he's a true leader. When he's not playing, you feel you have a better chance of beating Arsenal.

"It's difficult to combat Vieira. But I'm a winner, too. I want to win every game, every tackle, every header. I don't care how good he is, I want to be as good as him on the day.

"I always enjoy playing against Arsenal, win, lose or draw, because you can compete with those players to see how good you are.''

Boateng believes the Gunners, deposed as Premiership champions by Manchester United last season, are still a stronger side than big-spending London rivals Chelsea.

He said: "Everybody is talking about the signings Chelsea and Manchester United have made, but no-one should under-estimate the power of Arsenal.

"They haven't made many signings this summer, but I don't think it reduces their chances of winning the title. Last year they maybe started too well and couldn't maintain that pace.

"This time I think they will start slowly and that's when people are going to write them off.

"But that's when they are going to accelerate and have a better run-in than last season. I always believe that a team who has been together for a long time will fight for each other. When there are too many new signings at a club, they have to fit in and, when it comes to do-or-die, some lack commitment.

"I think Arsenal have that extra edge over Chelsea at the moment. Chelsea have a good squad but they are not a team yet and Arsenal are a good team.''

Sol Campbell's well-publicised disciplinary problems have provided the main talking point at Highbury, and Boateng admitted: "You have to have some sympathy for him.

"When players are in a corner, it can be difficult to come out of it. He's been a bit unlucky, but he just has to carry on. He's a fantastic defender and he's proved it for England.

"I've never felt he was a dirty player. He's very committed and goes for the ball, and I think every defender in the country should look up to him.''

Boro began the season with a disappointing 3-2 defeat away to Fulham, but Boateng said: "I think the season starts for us tomorrow.

"I think it's a good thing we lost last week because it brings everyone back to earth after winning our pre-season games.

"We have mentally strong players like Gareth Southgate, Juninho and myself, who have played at the top level and know what it takes to win games.

"If you see how Gareth trains, he's awesome. He would love to have Thierry Henry in his pocket tomorrow.

"Gareth was left out of the England squad but his head hasn't gone down.

He's a true fighter and the way he looks after himself, he's fit enough to play for England."

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