The Juventus star has been lauded by his former Bayer Leverkusen coach, who commended the Chilean’s pace, power and ability to balance the midfield

Arturo Vidal has been branded a “special warrior” by former coach Jupp Heynckes, who thinks Bayern Munich are bagging a top player.

The Chilean midfielder is on the verge of joining the Bundesliga champions after Juventus accepted a €40 million offer, ending his four-year spell in Turin.

Heynckes, who retired from coaching after winning the treble with Bayern in 2013, worked with Vidal at Bayer Leverkusen and lavished praise on the 28-year-old when asked about his qualities.

“Arturo is not just limited to being defensive, he also gives impetus to those up front,” he told Kicker. “There aren’t many players like him.

“He is an excellent conqueror of the ball; he’s scarily good in one-on-one duels; he excels at running and tackling; and he has a special warrior-like quality. He just plays really good football. He’ll ensure balance in Bayern’s midfield.”

Vidal was arrested and charged with drink driving after crashing his Ferrari during the Copa America in Chile, but Heynckes downplayed the midfielder’s alleged recklessness.

“His actions off the pitch must not be overstated, but Vidal is a rascal,” he added. “When on the pitch, though, if he’s given a clear order and told to avoid being excessive in force then he’s in control.”

Heynckes tried to bring Vidal with him when he swapped Leverkusen for Bayern in 2011, but the recently-crowned Copa America winner chose to join Juventus instead.

Vidal has won four successive Scudetti and a Coppa Italia in his time with the Bianconeri, in addition to a Champions League runners-up medal last season.

He is widely seen as being Bayern’s replacement for Bastian Schweinsteiger in the centre of their midfield following the German’s decision to leave for Manchester United earlier in July.

Source Goal