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Scouting Dusan Tadic

Earlier this month Southampton manager Ronald Koeman finally began spending his large transfer budget with the capture of Dušan Tadić. The 25-year-old Serbian is a highly versatile player, capable of being fielded in a number of positions, from behind the striker, playing on either wing to sometimes rushing ahead of the striker. In addition to his versatility, Tadić is also a specialist in set pieces. Capable of delivering accurate corners and threatening free kicks, Koeman has clearly picked up a talented individual for £10m to replace for Adam Lallana.

Koeman stated that Tadić’s ability in utilising set pieces would be a huge plus for the coming season, which we may also scout during Southampton’s preseason:

He is a technical player, a good player. He keeps the ball, he has a fantastic left foot as well as free-kicks and corner kicks

However, a question mark hangs over whether penalties will be claimed by Tadić or new signing Graziano Pellé, with both players responsible for their respective clubs’ spot kicks in the Eredivisie last year.

Recent History

In 2012, Tadić moved from Groningen to FC Twente in a £6m move. In his first season with Twente, he racked up 12 goals and 15 assists. Four of these goals came from penalty kicks. Six of the remaining eight goals came from close-range finishes in the box, with a lucky free kick and a stunning long-range effort making up the rest. In FC Twente’s European campaign, Tadić managed a further goal and three assists in eight appearances.

In his second season, the Serb flourished, presumably convincing Koeman of his quality. Tadić tallied 16 goals and 14 assists, helping his side to a respectable third-place finish in the league. Seven of these goals came from penalties and were all in the earlier part of the season. In the latter half of FC Twente’s campaign, Tadić began to score from open play with a further nine goals. Three of these goals were scored from outside the box (one free-kick), two were excellent headers and the other four goals were accurate, close-range finishes from inside the box.Since 2012, he has made 23 appearances for Serbia adding a further six goals to his record.

The Prospects

As mentioned, Tadić has an eye for set pieces; an area where we would expect most of his points to come from. His crosses delivered from open play also add a huge threat to his game, not to mention the creative freedom he has on the pitch. He can be seen making darting runs through the middle, while the striker holds up the play and feeds through balls to him. His impressive close-range finishing makes him dangerous in this situation, which Koeman might want to make the most of.

Tadic can play on either wing, cutting inside or staying out far wide. He seems most effective on the left, given his left-footed prowess and ability to deliver crosses; yet he is just as effective in the hole. Many of his goals were tap-ins and poached efforts deep in the box, making him quite the target man.

There are two main issues with Tadić, which the pre-season games may shine some light on. Firstly, in relation to how Southampton as a team will play. The club has undergone massive changes over the last few months in both staff personnel and team changes. The Saints have seen arguably three of their best players leave in the form of Lallana, Lambert and Shaw, with rumours of Dejan Lovren also wanting out. It will be worth noting how Southampton play under Koeman in these early stages, and how he plans to utilise Tadić. However, the pre-season games may not show Southampton at their full. Koeman says:

Sometimes we can bring in some new young players. We have to look for them. In pre-season, you never start with the squad that you will have when you start the season. But now, with Tadić in the team, it will become easier

The last issue surrounds Tadić’s price. It was inevitable given his status and proven record that he would be priced at £7.5m in the  Fantasy Premier League game. That is perhaps too steep for a cheeky punt, but could prove great value if he can deliver on his promise. It is also worth noting that he is priced at just £6.7m in the Sky game.

Bøwstring The Carp Active since 2011 on FFS. Occasional poster and community article writer. Twitter: @MattKearney92 Follow them on Twitter

6 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    His price in FPL is steep. Should have been 6.5 or below

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  2. asquishypotato
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Likewise to above, if he was 6.5 he would have been first choice on my teams sheet.

    Providing he shows some form in pre-season, with evidence of the team gelling well together, I may role into gameweek 2 with at least two Southampton players, or maybe even just bunch them against Liverpool.

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  3. Margarido
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    It's between him and Siem De Jong.
    Will monitor both.

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  4. Walsh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Wonderful read, as usual Bowstring. Thanks for the hard work and the insight.

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  5. Saint Steve-O (@EliteFPL)
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Southamptons fixtures are kind, I think worth a punt

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  6. Twelve years a slave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Another good article from the ttrout

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