Dusan Tadic can be a key player for Saints - if he can stay fit this season.

Tadic was on great form once again as he scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Saints defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

The Serbian looks every inch the player he did in the opening months of last season, but back then a series of niggling injuries caused in part by a packed fixture schedule and a first season without a winter break derailed him somewhat.

Koeman has been cautious to say those problems are behind Tadic, but knows what one of his star men can bring to the side.

“He was dangerous to Sunderland,” reflected Koeman after the weekend win.

“He had the best chance I think in the first 45 minutes, he was dangerous with his crosses and was very dangerous from the left side, and from the right side.

“We make it wide the pitch, that’s more difficult for the opponent because we had good movements from our midfield.

“Ryan was very offensive and very good. He was one of the best players.”

Koeman confessed that it is hard for players like Tadic over a gruelling top flight season, but at least feels this year Saints have more cover if he does struggle again.

“It’s important because it’s difficult. Everybody know the long way in the Premier League,” said the Saints boss.

“Ok, we like to recover and we have more competition in our squad and I think we will do it in a better way than we did last year.”