Southampton playmaker Dusan Tadic's future was thrown into doubt during the international break last month after he criticised Saints boss Claude Puel for substituting him at key moments in matches.

The Serbian – who has established himself as one of the side’s key creators since joining them in 2014 – was said to be frustrated at continually being taken off by the Frenchman in the second half, with results then going against the south coast outfit.

Saints were well in the Premier League matches with Everton and Burnley – and the EFL Cup final tie against Manchester United at Wembley – when Tadic was on the pitch, but they lost all three after he had been substituted.

There has been a good reaction from both the 28-year-old and manager Puel since the international break, playing 79 minutes in the draw against Bournemouth before completing the full 90 in the wins against Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, setting up Jordy Clasie for the winning goal in the latter.

Here are THREE reasons Southampton must do everything they can to keep Tadic last summer…

His mentality

While he was frustrated at his situation, Tadic should have spoken to Claude Puel and not the press about it last month.

And while you can criticise the Serbian for doing that, you certainly can’t fault his mentality on the pitch as he clearly has a will to win.

The Serbian believes he should be playing the whole match as he is confident that he can help them pick up all three points, and he has often proven that he is effective in attacking areas.

His assists record

Britain Football Soccer - Southampton v Inter Milan - UEFA Europa League Group Stage - Group K - St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, England - 3/11/16 Southampton's Oriol Romeu, Dusan Tadic and Cuco Martina celebrate after the match Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Since making his Southampton debut in the Premier League in August 2014, the Serbian has provided an impressive 24 assists for his teammates.

Only three players – Cesc Fabregas, Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen – have more in that period and the 28-year-old will perhaps count himself unlucky he doesn’t have even more.

But for woeful finishing from his Saints teammates earlier this season, he would have had an even higher tally than the five he currently has.

The question is, would Saints really be able to find a player that could be as effective as Tadic if he did leave?

Britain Football Soccer - West Ham United v Southampton - Premier League - London Stadium - 25/9/16 Southampton's Dusan Tadic celebrates scoring their second goal with Virgil van Dijk Reuters / Eddie Keogh Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account repre

Tadic has been shining in the central attacking midfield role in recent weeks, and his link up play with the likes of Manolo Gabbiadini, James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond has been a pleasure to watch.

The Serbian will certainly hope the former is back soon as he was benefitting from the clever runs that he makes – the Italian striker’s second goal in the 4-0 win against Sunderland came after a clever reverse pass from Tadic.

The 28-year-old has shown that he is a clever player who knows how to use the ball effectively.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.

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