Arturo Vidal has what it takes to become one of the world’s greatest midfielders again, according to former Juventus defender Gianluca Zambrotta.

The Chilean has struggled during a disappointing first season at Inter, having joined the Nerazzurri from Barcelona last summer.

Vidal is viewed by many to be well past his best at the age of 33, although he has surprisingly been included in Antonio Conte’s squad for tomorrow’s Serie A game at Bologna after recovering quicker than expected from knee surgery.

Zambrotta told TNT Sports this week (as quoted by FcInterNews.it): “With Conte’s help, Vidal could return to being one of the best midfielders in the world.

“Vidal is an important player for the entire team with his temperament, his grit, his dynamism and the desire to never lose.

“He’s a player Conte wanted in the past as well, when he was coaching at Juventus.

“Now that Vidal has recovered from his physical problems he’s an important player for everyone.”

Vidal’s Chile teammate Alexis Sanchez has enjoyed a far more successful 2021 at Inter, having scored three goals in his last four matches.

The former Manchester United winger provided a critical assist for Lautaro Martinez in the Nerazzurri’s last Serie A match, which ended in a 2-1 win at Torino.

Zambrotta was full of praise for Sanchez as well and even suggested a new tactical option for Conte during Inter’s title run-in.

“Conte has said that Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez are in better form at the moment, Alexis is a player we need to appreciate,” the former Italy full-back added.

“He’s a very technical player who could also play as an attacking midfielder, he’s got the ability to do that in my opinion.

“Sanchez is an able player who’s good in one-on-one situations and knows where to find space on the pitch.

“He could play as a false nine, like he did at Barcelona with Pep Guardiola, as a no. 10 or as a winger.”