Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen hopes he's ended the debate that shorter players cannot play at centre-half in England.

He is an imposing figure with powerful shoulders.

"I'm not that big but when I see some other centre halves they're not much bigger," he told the Daily Mail.

Vermaelen knows this country harbours a fondness for gigantic central defenders but he adds: "William Gallas is not much bigger than me and Fabio Cannavaro is quite little. Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid is not big. For me it's not a problem."

It's not a problem for Arsenal, either. He silenced the doubters very soon after his arrival from Ajax last summer with his incredible spring, timing and aggression. Not to mention his goals.

"If you have quick players who play quick passes, then you have nothing with your height."