AC Milan midfielder Sully Muntari has insisted that having Nigel de Jong's return to full fitness will be "very important" for the Rossoneri this season.
De Jong joined Milan from Manchester City last summer, but was restricted to just 12 Serie A appearances in his maiden campaign by a torn Achilles tendon.
Muntari believes that De Jong possesses leadership qualities which will be crucial for Milan when Serie A begins next week, after a quiet summer in terms of transfer activity at the San Siro.
The Ghana international told the club's official website: "De Jong's return is very important for us, very important. He is a tough player in front of the defence.
"We have a lot of good players in midfield but when you think of De Jong you think of someone who breaks up play, who plays it well and is a natural born leader."
Massimiliano Allegri's side return to competitive action next Tuesday, in a Champions League qualifier against PSV Eindhoven.
