Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong has insisted that head coach Louis van Gaal has a winning mentality and is the right man for the team for the upcoming World Cup.

The Dutch failed to qualify for the 2002 tournament under Van Gaal, but despite this De Jong said that the future Manchester United boss will be able to get the most out of the attacking players at his disposal.

"Van Gaal is a top coach, a winner and loves challenges," he told Inside Futbol. "After missing out on qualification in 2002, taking Holland to Brazil meant a lot to him.

"Every coach has his own philosophy. Tactically speaking, there are a lot of changes between Van Gaal and [previous coach] Bert van Marwijk. The first has a more attacking approach."

Holland's first game takes place on Friday against Spain.