Conte: Signing of Vidal was crucial for Juventus

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has hailed the role of midfielder Arturo Vidal in the Old Lady's outstanding performances in the 2011-12 campaign.


The 24-year-old Chile international joined the Bianconeri from Bayer Leverkusen for €12.5 million in the summer transfer window, and has since developed into a key player for Juve.

Conte admitted that Vidal's presence in the squad gave him more tactical and formation options.

"Arturo’s signing was very important. He came right at the end of pre-season after playing in the Copa America. It’s one thing to watch a player on video, but another to see them up close," Conte said during a Juventus Member video chat.

"He was the signing who pushed me to try new ideas. Taking out one of [Claudio] Marchisio, [Andrea] Pirlo and Vidal would have been too much.

"We then worked on different tactics and were immediately aware of the quality and intensity that Arturo brings to us."

Vidal has made 26 Serie A appearances so far, scoring four goals in the process.

Vidal is miles ahead of Melo