Wenger lets lion loose
Wenger believes Campbell has been a key signing for the Gunners, saving them millions as a free transfer from Tottenham just over a year ago.
In contrast, Rio Ferdinand, who is admittedly over four years younger, cost Manchester United £30 million when he left Leeds this summer.
However, Wenger believes there is little to choose between England's two foremost defenders and is confident Campbell can shackle Mark Viduka and, possibly, Alan Smith at Leeds today in a physical encounter.
''Sol is an absolute lion for us. He's been a complete revelation and he's an underrated player in England,'' said Wenger.
''He is highly motivated and has a great team attitude. I know there were some English people who were not so convinced about him, but he's absolutely top-class in every aspect of his game. I don't know a stronger defender in the world."
While Ferdinand undeniably showed his class at the World Cup, it was Campbell who was the only England player included in FIFA's 16-man squad of the tournament.
''That was 100% justified. He's strong mentally, strong physically and he's become a very good footballer,'' said Wenger. ''If Sol had not been free, we would have paid a lot of money for him, so we were lucky.''
In the absence of Martin Keown through injury, Campbell will be partnered at Elland Road (noon kick-off, live on Sky Sports 2) by Pascal Cygan, with the Frenchman making his full debut for the club after his £2.1m summer signing from Lille.
Dennis Bergkamp has also been ruled out of Arsenal's next three games after sustaining an Achilles injury during the Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven.
Bergkamp will miss today's noon clash, Tuesday's trip to Auxerre and the weekend visit of Sunderland after being kicked on his Achilles.
There have been several hot-blooded clashes between Leeds and Arsenal over recent seasons, with Alan Smith central to many of them.
However, Wenger believes the England international has calmed down over the past year after learning to channel his desire for success. ''He is much more in control of his impulsive reactions and that has made him a better player. That was a bit of a weakness before,'' he said.
Wenger is also impressed with the development of Paul Robinson, although the Arsenal boss believes that David Seaman's vital save in Eindhoven when only 1-0 up was further proof he is still England's number one.
''Robinson looks to me as though he's made a step forward. He is more composed and certainly looks a promising goalkeeper,'' he added.
''Leeds aspire to be genuine title challengers and rightly so. Tell me who is not an international in that side. You would have problems to find one.
''They are a growing team, they are still young and they can only get better from year to year. They are a mature team in experience terms though. But Arsenal arrive at Elland Road with a 22-game unbeaten away league record and seeking to break Chesterfield's 72-year-old mark of scoring in 46 consecutive league games.
Wenger's Leeds counterpart Terry Venables has warned ''times will be difficult'' with the club continuing to struggle financially.
United yesterday announced a pre-tax deficit of £33.9m, although that was offset by the combined £36m sales of Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Keane recently to Manchester Utd and Spurs.
Whether Venables will be able to sign the players he needs in the new year remains to be seen. ''What I will do is what I did before.
''Then, I put forward what I wanted, but it wasn't to be, so we moved on. The same will apply with the window of opportunity that comes along and we will see what is said."
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