Player Focus: Twente's Season Revolves Around Tadić

In what's been another summer dominated by upheaval, supporters of FC Twente are glad Dušan Tadić has decided to remain. The wizard of Bačka Topola is one of the few 'true' playmakers gracing the Eredivisie.

It's not been the easiest of times; a year ago Twente were preparing for a Europa League playoff against Turkish side Bursaspor, a dismal end to last season meant no European football. Twente are no longer Twente. The side from the province, alongside AZ, that threatened to break up the traditional old guard consisting of Ajax, Feyenoord and PSV.

The stability Steve McClaren (2008-10) gave them would give way to a revolving door policy. First Michel Preud'homme (2010-11), who lost the championship on the final day, then Co Adriaanse (2011) – who chairman Joop Munsterman initially agreed was a gamble – parted company, six months into the job, after upsetting the applecart. Munsterman needed a hero so he turned to McClaren (2012-13), the adopted son of Enschede. His 'second coming' would end in abject disappointment.

It started out very promising, like something from a well-written motion picture. A notable highlight was a historic 6-2 win over PSV in Eindhoven (March 2012). However, McClaren resigned halfway through last season when it became clear he could no longer take the club forward. His successor Alfred Schreuder was left with the unenviable task of picking up a side that was in danger of heading on the road to nowhere. There was even discussion of him getting the job full-time, but it would be given to Michel Jansen, with Schreuder acting as his assistant.

One of few positives from McClaren's second reign was the signing of Tadić. He was their big signing in the summer of 2012 from FC Groningen for €7.7M. A deal had been agreed a few months earlier. His spell at Groningen was characterised by mercurial displays. It wasn't long before sides across Europe began taking notice; though he made it clear he would only leave for a side in the top-echelon of Dutch football, which Twente were at the time.

Twente are rebuilding; a process every Dutch side annually goes through, this summer eleven players departed including pivotal first-teamers: Nikolay Mihaylov, Nacer Chadli, Douglas and Leroy Fer. Tadić was part of that company last season. And it's him they are building around; with a player of his calibre, there's always a chance of competing. Everyone else benefits including striker Luc Castaignos – who joined in the same summer, returning from a season of disappointment in Italy – and the free spirited Chilean Felipe Gutiérrez.

Tadić missed Twente's season opener at home to RKC Waalwijk, due to an ankle injury sustained during pre-season, the game would end goalless. He would return against Feyenoord at De Kuip and displayed why he is Twente's fulcrum, in an emphatic 4-1 victory, then repeat the trick in a 6-0 win over FC Utrecht at home the following week.

He’s been deployed out wide; as a wide-forward on the left (comfortable with both feet but strongest on his left), with licence to cut inside and showcase his playmaking and attacking attributes. He could, if his manager wanted, play as a deep-lying forward. His foresight, vision, spatial awareness and passing are equally his greatest strengths. Tadić is a creative with the knack of unlocking doors; he finished last season with fifteen assists in the league and already has four in two games this time around, which puts him top of the pile.

A critique once upon a time was a lack of goals. He's addressed that over the last 18 months; at Twente's he's afforded a free role, which he greatly takes advantage of, ghosting into the box. He reached double figures last season for the first time in his career. Nothing is stopping him from going beyond those thirteen goals as nerves aren't something that get the best of him; a solid penalty taker in turn, all of his three goals have been from twelve yards.

The Serb is also partly responsible for why the Tukkers currently lead the way in possession (62.9%); like a majority of Dutch clubs Twente adhere to a possession-based game. Despite playing in the front three Tadić is fifth for the side when it comes to average passes completed (57). However, it's making use of this possession where he stands alone; no other player in the Eredivisie has made more key passes (9).

As mentioned above, his teammates react. He's been great for Castaignos in particular. The 20-year-old Dutch striker was a revelation at Feyenoord three seasons ago. He was signed last summer to fill the void left by Luuk de Jong. For a while now he's lacked confidence; managerial, formation and tactical changes haven't exactly helped, nor has the loan signing of Luka Djordjevic from Zenit Saint Petersburg, but competition has gotten the best out of him.

Goals, as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar put it, are "the elixir of life" for striker. Castaignos has three to his name, two of which were assisted by Tadić, many observers are hoping they could forge a similar partnership to De Jong and Ola John.

His current rejuvenation has reminded everyone what a talent he still is; those who've worked closely with him, including Jong Oranje manager Albert Stuivenberg, have made comparisons with Thierry Henry. He complements the football Jansen preaches: a strong number nine and not just a penalty box finisher, but one that allows the creative players around him into the game. If Tadić is a prime example, Gutiérrez is another.

Not much is expected from Twente this season; but with the advantage of having no European commitments - midweek remains free bar the odd domestic fixture (in the Cup or league) - Jansen's side can quietly go about their business. The last fortnight has reminded their rivals they're still here.

If they come through autumn unscathed (one of three unbeaten sides at the time of writing) they will be heading in the right direction. It's unfair to label them a 'one-man team’ but the importance of Tadić and influence he wields is unquestionable. He today represents, for want of a better word, everything imperious about the club.