I think all Saints fans probably feel a bit let down by Dusans performances and attitude this season. I certainly have and I’ve been thinking we’ve had good value out of him but it would probably be the best for both parties if he moved on to pastures new. That was until I read this today and now I’m not so sure
Good article there, Steve - thanks once again for the link. I’ve taken the centre ground option regarding Tadic - he’s been poor by his own standards for much of this season, but we know that he can produce much better stuff and I’d prefer to see him doing so here. If, on the other hand, we do get a silly money offer from some other club, then I wouldn’t be screaming for us to keep hold of him.
On the assumption that Puel is indeed on his way out (and given the hostility he faced from supporters in the last few games it’s really hard to see how he can stay, even if he wanted to), Tadic’s position is likely to be one of the most affected by a different manager and a change of style. If we play a quicker, less risk-averse game, then this will certainly suit him far better.
I’m torn on the matter and it’s not even the indifferent form of this season. I can’t stand his constant rolling around on the floor. It really pisses me off. And I didn’t like the whinging in the press about not getting 90mins. That said, in the right system, he can clearly help us and make chances. I don’t believe he has a clause in his contract and certainly not for £13m. If we did sell him, I’d want £20m for him, at least.
On his day he is brilliant but the problem is that his day only comes around every couple of months.
Saying that, I guess if he was more consistent he’d already be playing for Liverpool.
My biggest gripe with him is, in my opinion, his unnatural preference to getting assists over goals. I just don’t get that. I feel he wastes and delays decent shooting opportunities by looking for a pass rather than pulling the trigger. The inevitable result is that he gets closed down a lot. I reckon he’s had the most blocked shots of any player over the past 3 seasons. Get Opta Joe on the case.
If selling Tadic meant we stood half a chance of getting Sigurdsson (I know, I know. I don’t believe it either) then I’d probably do it. We desperately lack goals from midfield and midfield runners who get in the box. As a number ten Tadic should be doing that but his stats prove otherwise.
