Newcastle United signed the 24-year-old from Benfica for around £29.5 million in August, and he has already made six appearances across all competitions, taking over the right-back spot left open by Kieran Trippier's departure.
He told the club's official matchday programme what draws him to the way Newcastle play: “For me, I was always that emotional guy. I love the passion. Everything I do in my life I want to do it with passion and I want to know for what [reason] I am doing it.
"Even if it is football, for the fans, I want to fight for them because I know how many years they support the club.
“It is just about heart. I want to put my heart every game on the pitch. For me, it is the most important thing. Then other things will come. But for me, this is the point of football, it is the basics.
“That is why I wanted to join because I know how the fans are here. As I expected, the Premier League has been very intense so far. For the fans, it's even better to watch. My family have told me that it is crazy to watch [in the stands]. They like it and I like it.
“I can feel the respect from the fans and the love. I respect them as well and will give my best for them to put a smile on their face after the game. For me, that is the most important thing.”
The move reunited him with head coach Matthias Jaissle, who coached him at Red Bull Salzburg before taking charge at Newcastle this summer. Dedić says the familiarity has smoothed his adjustment.
“For sure for adapting it makes it easier because I know the coaches and I know the head coach. I had them a few years ago. I am used to training with them before. But I wanted to join the club anyway - so with the coach as well it is an extra good thing and positive.
“In some situations [on the pitch] it is good because I know what he wants. But I don't think it's the main thing, even if I know him - if you don't adapt here it will be hard for you. It is not the main reason, of course it makes it easier and I know what he wants from you.”
Dedić also spent last season at Benfica under José Mourinho, and reflected warmly on working with the Portuguese.
“Mourinho was really a big coach, a big experience for me. I loved it to work with him. He has a presence, with all his experience. He is really a good person, not just a coach. He tries to joke with you and have fun with you. I really loved it and appreciated him. It makes you want to fight for him on the pitch.”