Bruce Arena on Tajon Buchanan: “That’s his best performance this year”

Tajon Buchanan didn’t have the start to the season that he was hoping for, but since that fateful night in Chicago, he has turned things around.

With all of the acquisitions that New England had in the offseason, fans wondered where Buchanan would fit in. In 2020, the Canadien played on the right wing but in the postseason he featured at right back. This season we have seen Buchanan feature on the left wing, but in the last two games he has returned to the right wing.

Saturday was a classic performance from Buchanan. He showed his confidence going at defenders and once again drew fouls left and right. He was the player fouled the most on the night.

Revolution Head Coach and Sporting Director Bruce Arena was asked about Buchanan’s performance after the game on Saturday and it’s safe to say that he was pleased.

“That’s his best performance this year,” Arena said. “I thought the opening game against Chicago [Fire FC], he didn’t play well. Last week against D.C. United when gave us 15 minutes, it was an improved performance. And tonight was very good. He’s a talented player and it’s good to see that he can understand what he needs to do on the field and be a little bit more composed. And he showed that tonight and played a very good game.”

When Buchanan is playing as he was against Atlanta, he can’t really be stopped. It seems every possession he is earning a free kick or creating a chance for New England.

Brandon Bye scored the first goal of the game and combined with Buchanan on the right side. After the game the right back praised the 22-year-old on his ability to draw fouls.

“Solid. Tajon [Buchanan] is always a great player, running at guys, getting them in foul trouble early,” Bye said. “Sounds like basketball, but foul trouble early. He’s always running at guys, getting them on their back foot, and just trying to create as many chances as he can. But Tajon’s a great young player and he keeps growing into every game he plays, and he shows that.”

Buchanan continues to make a case for him being a part of the starting XI on a consistent basis. He is able to make an impact on every game he is a part of. His performance against Atlanta was just another example of just how far the Canadien has come.