Ronald Koeman was happy to see Dušan Tadić back to his best as Southampton beat Norwich City 3-0 on Sunday.
Tadić scored twice in the second half to help Koeman’s side to all three points against the Canaries after Graziano Pellè had opened the scoring.
The Serbian, who missed the end of last season through injury, ran straight to his manager to thank him for his support after scoring in the win.
“We spoke several times about the level, about the injuries and about how we like to do things,” Koeman told saintsfc.co.uk. “He did a good respect to the coach.
“It’s always important, first for the player himself because he’s working hard to bring his level.”
Having discussed at length his comeback from injury and his bid to return to full fitness, Koeman was delighted for Tadić to put in the level of performance he did against Norwich.
“Of course we had some meetings about that. I said to show your qualities because the team needs your qualities,” Koeman added.
“Everybody has to play on his level and he showed his quality. He was important in the win.”