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Tajon Buchanan has seen everyone around the world of soccer take notice of just how special of a player he is.
Buchanan got to show his skill off on the international stage in the Gold Cup with Team Canada and he didn't disappoint. The Revs midfielder had one goal and five assists in the tournament.
New England Revolution fans saw a familiar sight as Buchanan constantly caused problems for opponents and ended up getting fouled. He proved that what he was doing in MLS was no fluke.
Playing on the big stage is something that Buchanan enjoys.
The 22-year-old said, “Those big games and stuff like that, that’s what players want to be in. To be in a huge quarterfinal against Costa Rica and then a semifinal against Mexico, that’s where I believe big players show up. I wanted to help the team in any way possible and just play my game, and I’m happy I was able to show my qualities and stuff like that on a big stage.”
It doesn’t get much bigger than playing in a Gold Cup semifinal against Mexico for a chance to play the United States in the final. Even though Canada ended up losing, the fact that they were in the semifinal shows just how far they have come.
But Buchanan isn’t pleased with just that. Canada and the midfielder now have their eyes set on the World Cup.
He said, “It just shows where Canada soccer is going now in our world today. Against Mexico, we gave them a run. Against the United States, which were the champions, I feel like we were in that game also. It just shows that we’re developing, and the future is very bright, but the future is now for us. We have World Cup Qualifying coming soon, and I’m pretty sure we know everyone is ready for those game, and we’re ready to take the next step in Canada soccer and hopefully qualify for a World Cup.”
Buchanan also has some personal goals that he still hopes to achieve. WIth transfer rumors linking him to a move to Europe, he told the media on Thursday that he hopes to play overseas one day but that his focus is on the Revs.
The midfielder said, “With all the rumors and stuff like that, it’s a lot to take in. I kind of just cancel all that out, let my agent do his job, and just try to keep performing every time I get on the field. Right now, I’m focused on what’s happening right now – and that’s our game tomorrow.”
Revolution fans will be hoping that they get to see Buchanan play on Wednesday against Nashville and give him the welcome home he deserves. With how well he played, Buchanan will surely be a boost to the midfield and the attack.