'We experienced so many wonderful things together. And not only did we win, but we won in a distinctive way. The way we won remains in the hearts and minds of people. That creates a bond, a bond for life.'
Former Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag succinctly summarises the essence of his period as Amsterdam head coach in The Tadić Ten. The Ajax of coach Ten Hag and his extension on the pitch, Dušan Tadić, not only won a great deal, the team also captured the hearts of football fans.
Highlight of the dream season 2018/2019
The UEFA Champions League match Real Madrid - Ajax was the highlight of the dream season 2018/2019. The sensational 1-4 victory in the Spanish capital was added to the gallery of honour of unforgettable Ajax matches that very evening. The encounter gained instant eternal value. It was a top clash never to be forgotten.
Among his team-mates in an excelling Ajax side, captain Tadić was a leading figure. He was the driving force, the provider and also the goalscorer. The leading French sports newspaper L’Equipe rewarded the Ajacied for his perfect match with the rare rating of ten. It was the evening of 'the ten of Tadić'.
In the Serbian city of Novi Sad, Tadić’s sisters Jelena and Dragana speak warmly about the childhood years of and with their brother. 'When he was young, you could see that he was more talented than the rest. And that he had it in him', says Jelena. ‘Football was his passion and he did everything step by step.’
'Dušan said he was tired of football'
His primary school teacher Ruzica Radovanac also paints a picture of the young Dušan. She recalls a moment when he wanted to stop playing football. 'One day Dušan said he was tired of football. He wanted to switch to basketball.'
Fortunately, it never came to that. Father Tadić, a football lover through and through, thwarted the ill-advised intention. 'His father insisted that he continue playing football.' With a smile: 'He listened to his father.'
At FK Vojvodina Novi Sad, Tadić took his first steps on the professional football path. The picture sketched by his former coach and a then team-mate sounds familiar. 'Everyone wanted to play alongside him, because he delivered the balls perfectly.' As a prospect of FK Vojvodina, the Serbian immediately impressed with his boundless drive, work rate and football intelligence. Qualities with which Tadić also became beloved in Amsterdam.
New leader
Ten Hag still remembers clearly why Ajax signed both Tadić and Daley Blind in the summer of 2018. The young group of Ajacieden could use some experience, routine and leadership. In the former player of FC Groningen, FC Twente and Southampton, Ten Hag saw his new leader within the squad.
'Especially because of his mentality. Dušan is a consummate professional. But also because of his output; he was good for a great many assists. Those were all factors that brought us to him. This player could take us further. With strong personalities you can win.'
Expectations were fulfilled. In fact, they were even exceeded. From the moment the sought-after Tadić signed his Ajax contract ('It always was my dream to play for Ajax'), his club experienced a golden period. With the new leader as catalyst; the exemplary professional who raised his team-mates in the dressing room and on the pitch to a higher level.
The then still young talents Matthijs de Ligt - who preceded Tadić as captain - and Donny van de Beek allowed themselves to be inspired and carried along. They too cherish fine memories of their former team-mate Tadić.
Ajax reached great sporting heights
Ajax immediately reached great sporting heights. With the away match at Real Madrid as one of the highlights, perhaps even the ultimate peak moment of both Tadić and the Ajax side of the successful coach Ten Hag at the time. ‘Everything he touched that evening was a goal or an assist', Van de Beek recalls vividly. Ten Hag: ‘I think that was the best match Dušan Tadić has ever played.'
'If I do something, I want to win', Tadić says about his motivations. Ajax and the Serbian, now a former Ajacied, went far with that. Very far indeed, in the Netherlands and in Europe. Exactly seven years ago, it even earned Tadić the magnificent rating of ten.
