Louis van Gaal has admitted that he "always wanted to buy" Arturo Vidal when the midfielder was playing at Bayer Leverkusen.
The incoming Manchester United manager, who is currently in charge of the Dutch national team, will come up against the Juventus star later this month when his side take on Chile in the World Cup.
"Chile have very dangerous players," Van Gaal is quoted as saying by ESPN. "I always wanted to buy Vidal when he was at Bayer Leverkusen but he went to Juventus.
"I like a lot of Chile players and they always play an attacking style. It will be difficult for the Netherlands but we have confidence in the three games we have to play."
Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign next Friday when they face current holders Spain.
