Ronald Koeman has revealed that Dusan Tadic hasn't been "on his level"

The Serbian international hasn't appeared for Saints since the 0-0 draw at Arsenal at the beginning of February.

Koeman revealed that, as well as struggling to fit him into the current formation, Tadic had been struggling with his performance levels.

Most recently, the attacker joined Sadio Mane and James Ward-Prowse on the bench in the 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at the weekend.

That trio are officially the three most creative players in the Saints squad and will have a point to prove if they are given the opportunity at Bournemouth tonight.

With Koeman deploying a system that uses five defenders, there is less room for Saints' flair players.

Tadic was a key player for Saints.

"Every player in the squad is an important player, but Dusan is not playing from the start in the last few games," said Koeman.

"It's all about competition. It's all about play and bringing your level.

"For him it makes it more difficult when we changed the system.

"Of course, if you play a 3-5-2 or you play 4-3-3 that means we have one less position in front.

"We play with two strikers, not three strikers.

"That's difficult for players like Dusan."

Tadic was used as a bit of a super sub, scoring soon after coming on in wins against Watford and West Brom in January.

But, for three successive games, the attacking midfielder has been left for the entire match on the bench.

This is a player that has been one of Saints' best offensive options this term, having scored five goals in the Premier League this term – the third highest league marksman at the club in the league.

The 27-year-old, with Ward-Prowse, has also has the joint-second most assists at Saints – helping provide four goals apiece.

"He lost a little bit of position to start. One, because of the system and, second, was that, in my opinion, he wasn't on his level of what he can bring and what he needs to bring," Koeman said.

He added: "He's fighting hard to come back and get that opportunity. That's what you like to have.

"Of course, he'll be disappointed, every player that doesn't start is disappointed.

"I think that's a good way for a football player.

"Show me and show the rest that you're ready to play."

The same can be said for Sadio Mane, who has the most assists (6) at Saints and scored three times.

The Senegalese has been poor in front of goal recently – his last league goal was in October – and has been left on the bench for the last two games.

"We have more competition that we had last season," said Koeman. "We have more strikers and more players and okay that makes the team stronger.

"I believe in that and everybody, if they get the opportunity, need to show it [that they're capable]."