It’s safe to say that Southampton have had a fairly up and down start to the Premier League campaign so far, with consistency being an issue and clean sheets being a rarity; but The Saints find themselves in 8th place and looking comfortable despite the rocky start to the season. There have been some fairly good performers so far this season, along with some standout players; one being Dusan Tadic.
The Serbian has enjoyed a very productive opening to his second season in English football. He has been one of Southampton’s creative sparks going forward after rekindling his best form and taking back his confidence that saw him finish last season with the most assists for Southampton.
In 629 minutes of Premier League football this season, in 8 appearances, Tadic has created 26 chances and has made 24 key passes; an impressive return from the playmaker. Operating out on either wing this season, alternating with the ever-present Sadio Mane, Tadic has looked a different player to the second part of last season.
It seems as though the 26-year-old has a newfound surge of confidence to deliver for this Southampton side, showing a new style of play when attacking. It has been clear to see that Tadic has been taking on his man much more, and showing less hesitance when attacking for The Saints. One fantastic performance in particular for the Serb was against Norwich at home as Southampton ran out 3-0 winners. Tadic scored two goals, both from getting himself into dangerous positions in the opposition box; reflecting his change in style from being a wide playmaker to a direct, attacking winger who wants to get himself on the score sheet every game.
Another aspect of his game that Tadic has rejuvenated is his wonderful link up play with striker Graziano Pelle. The Italian powerhouse and Tadic worked together wonderfully well for the first half of the Premier League season last term. With Pelle being a regular fixture on the score sheet and Tadic creating several opportunities for the striker; they were a formidable combination. This was until they both went off the boil in the second half of the season, after winter. It was clear to see that confidence was low for both players, with Pelle rarely scoring and Tadic carrying niggling injuries and showing clear signs of fatigue, but now that they both have a season’s worth of English football under their belts, goals and chances are flowing for the pair.
However, this has made things difficult for manager Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman has several attacking options to choose from this season, with his usual front three of Mane, Pelle and Tadic, but also with the fit-again Jay Rodriguez, summer signing Juanmi and of course, Shane Long. Despite the wealth of talent within the Southampton attacking ranks, Koeman has stuck by his preferred front three of Mane, Pelle and Tadic; and has reaped the rewards. The trio have combined this season to be a part of 17 goals in 9 games this season for The Saints, creating chances for one another and of course, the team-mates around them. Tadic’s form has earned him several plaudits this season, from people recognising yet again his natural talent, which has earned him call ups to his native Serbia to play in their Euro 2016 Qualifiers.
If Tadic can keep up his early season form and maintain a good level of performance throughout the season, goals and assists will come with it, as well as more success for the creative winger and more success for Southampton. Tadic will be looking to improve his consistency from last season, and of course, to keep his fitness at a good standard.
How highly do you rate Dusan Tadic?
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