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Dusan Tadic Ends Two-Year Hiatus, Returns to Serbia National Team

After stepping away from international football for two years, Dusan Tadic has announced his return to the Serbia national team. The former Southampton forward confirmed this decision following NEC Nijmegen’s recent match against Juventus, signaling a fresh commitment to representing his country once again.

A Veteran's Return

The 37-year-old playmaker, who retired from international duty after Euro 2024, admitted that the pride and joy of playing for Serbia pulled him back. Despite NEC suffering a harsh 5-0 defeat to Juventus, Tadic shifted the conversation from club disappointment to an exciting boost for the Serbian national team. Holding the record for the most appearances with 111 caps, he is expected to bring valuable leadership immediately.

"Now I want to help my country again. I feel the need to enjoy playing for the nation once more. It always gives a sense of pride. You will soon see me playing in the match against the Netherlands," Tadic told Ziggo Sport.

Return Fueled by Move to European Football

Tadic’s comeback was influenced by the persistent efforts of the Serbian Football Association and his transfer back to Europe. While playing in Saudi Arabia made returning to the national squad difficult due to travel challenges and physical readiness, joining NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie revitalized his form and ambition.

"When I had stopped, the association called me several times to come back. At those times, I wasn’t physically ready. Playing in Saudi Arabia meant too much travel to be able to join consistently," he explained.

Reflecting on NEC's Heavy Loss to Juventus

The recent 5-0 loss exposed serious tactical errors and communication gaps within NEC’s squad. Tadic openly criticized the defensive breakdowns and poor decision-making during the game, pointing out the failure to keep tight spaces and support each other.

"We should have helped each other today to keep the spaces tight. In the end, we just conceded goals too easily. Our communication wasn’t what it should have been. Against a team like Juventus, such mistakes make for a tough night. Even when we had the ball, our choices were often poor," Tadic said.

Upcoming Nations League Challenges

Tadic’s return comes at a critical time as Serbia prepares for a demanding Nations League schedule. The team faces four challenging fixtures in quick succession:

  • September 24: Serbia vs Greece in Belgrade
  • September 27: Serbia vs Netherlands in Belgrade
  • October 1: Germany vs Serbia in Munich (away)
  • October 4: Netherlands vs Serbia in Eindhoven (away)

This tight lineup leaves no room for a gradual integration, making Tadic’s experience crucial for Serbia’s ambitions in the competition.

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