Bruce Arena pleased with Tajon Buchanan’s performance at RB

Last season during New England’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Tajon Buchanan showed off his ability to adapt and help the Revs all over the field. That has continued so far in 2021.

With the Revolution dealing with injuries, Buchanan was forced to play right back. To the joy of the fans at home, The 22-year-old did quite well.

Buchanan has appeared in all four games this season and already has an assist so far. The Canadien has also continued to be a menace to defenders drawing 12 fouls. Carles Gil is the only Revolution player to draw more with 13 fouls sustained.

But in New England’s previous matchup against Nashville SC, Buchanan got his first start at right back. Once again he had a quality performance. The Canadien drew three fouls which was the most for the match from a single player. Also, Buchanan did well defending against Nashville and was able to hold his own.

Revolution Head Coach and Sporting Director Bruce Arena spoke with the media on Tuesday and talked about Buchanan’s performance at right back.

Arena said, “He did okay. I think [Nashville is] a difficult opponent to play against because of the numbers they get behind the ball, but for the most part I think Tajon [Buchanan] was one of our better players in the attacking third of the field. But he can get a little better. He’s still a young player. At times, he gets caught with his head down. But I think he did a decent job.”

Buchanan has continued to prove that he can be used all over the field. Even in that same game, Buchanan ended up playing on the left side as the Revs tried to mount a comeback effort against Nashville.

It will be interesting to see where Buchanan is lined up against the Philadelphia Union as they will be looking for their first regular-season win in Philly since 2015. With two matches this week, Arena could rotate some of the squad ensuring that Buchanan gets to play in an advanced position on the right side.

Wherever Buchanan is playing, he will continue to cause chaos for opponents and earn free kicks for the Revolution. Hopefully, that means that New England ends up leaving Philadelphia with three points.