While most eyes will be focused upon the likes of Thierry Henry and Michael Owen ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, Vieira admits that he is eagerly awaiting his key confrontation with a player he feels has improved greatly in the last two years.
Vieira said: "I am a big fan of Steven Gerrard. We play in the same position and he's a very talented player.
"He has all the things he needs to be one of the best - strength, range of passes and tackling. He has improved a lot in the last two years and becoming captain has helped as well.
"He is not afraid of the responsibility and he can be one of the big stars in the finals next year."
