Manolo Gabbiadini grabbed the headlines with a brace in Southampton’s 4-0 win on Saturday, but it was his team-mate who the manager singled out for credit.
Claude Puel hailed Dusan Tadic’s display against Sunderland as “his best game since the beginning of the season,” speaking to the club’s website.
Tadic set up Gabbiadini for the crucial second goal and the manager continued: “It’s important he can repeat this performance, because all this gives quality to the squad.”
Southampton’s Dusan Tadic shoots at goal
His Southampton side has struggled to hit the heights of previous seasons and Tadic’s form – or lack thereof – has been a factor in that. The assist at Sunderland was just his second of the league season so far, whereas as he managed 12 last campaign and seven the year before that.
The Serbia international has also only scored twice this season in comparison to seven and four Premier League goals in the previous two years.
The statistics make it clear that Tadic’s performances have dropped off since the summer but he’s not been helped by the failure to adequately replace Sadio Mane and especially Graziano Pelle, with whom he linked up so well.
This injury sustained on international duty didn’t help Tadic’s rhythm
So far the signs are good that as well as getting on the scoresheet Gabbiadini’s also helping to get the best out of Tadic, just in time for the EFL Cup Final against Manchester United at the end of the month.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
