Tajon Buchanan has earned his spot in starting XI

Things are finally starting to click for the New England Revolution. They have won two straight games and are 5th in the Eastern Conference standings. At least some of the credit belongs to Tajon Buchanan.

Buchanan has been a surprising bright spot for the team. At the ripe age of 21, he has appeared in all 13 games which only six other players have done. With his start against D.C. United on Sunday, he tied his career high in starts.

Part of the reason that Buchanan was thrust into the lineup is the poor play of Cristian Penilla and Adam Buksa. Bruce Arena felt he needed to make some changes and that involved putting Buchanan in the starting XI.

The Revolution’s 2-0 win over D.C. was Buchanan’s third straight start. It seems as he has etched a role for himself and has earned Arena’s trust. Arena himself said that he has improved each and every game.

He said. “He plays a position where you need to be able to take on players. You need to be able to work up and down the field. He has good fitness, he has good skill, his movement off the ball has been good, so he’s given us what we think we need out of that position. Each and every game he’s gotten better.”

This has definitely been a season to remember for Buchanan. He scored the first goal of his MLS career in 2020. Buchanan showed his poise with a great finish off a give and go with Gustavo Bou.

Even when just watching him play he impresses. Buchanan’s pace allows him to blow by defenders. This has led to him causing fouls and getting the Revolution some great opportunities on free kicks.

Now Penilla and Buksa are coming off great performances but Buchanan should continue to start. Now it wouldn’t be surprising to see Buksa return to the starting XI since he is a DP. New England won’t waste all that money that they invested in the young Polish striker.

But Buchanan should stay on the wing. Even though Penilla had a great performance on Sunday he needs to prove he can be more consistent.

So far Buchanan has been the much more consistent player and has earned his spot in the starting XI.