Inter Milan's New Wingback: A Data-Driven Report on Buchanan's Strengths and Weaknesses

Inter Milan Seals Buchanan Deal: A Major Addition

Inter Milan is on the verge of finalizing a deal for Canadian wingback Tajon Buchanan, with a transfer fee reportedly in the range of €7-8 million plus bonuses. This acquisition has generated significant buzz in the football world, with various media outlets covering Buchanan's potential move and highlighting his impressive skill set through video compilations and detailed reports. Notably, data from OPTA and insights from Buchanan's coaches paint a comprehensive picture of the player's capabilities and areas needing improvement.

Physical Prowess and Assist Potential

Buchanan's standout attributes, as highlighted by OPTA analysts, include his robust physicality and notable assist capabilities. His primary strength lies in his speed—not just in terms of his running velocity but also in his reaction times and quick decision-making on the field. This quickness enables him to intercept passes and secure second balls effectively, which are crucial aspects of his game. These skills are rooted in his agility and rapid response times, making him a valuable asset in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

Despite some misconceptions perpetuated by video compilations showing failed crosses following his sharp dribbles, Buchanan's ability to assist is commendable. His performance in high-stakes matches, such as the Champions League, Europa Conference League, and World Cup, underscores his knack for delivering crucial assists. For instance, in the Champions League, he provided two assists in six appearances, and in the Europa Conference League, he notched up two assists in three games. His assist record in the World Cup is similarly impressive, with one assist in three matches. These statistics highlight Buchanan's capability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most.

Versatility and Two-Footed Proficiency

Another key asset is Buchanan's versatility, a trait praised by his former coaches and evident in his performances across different positions. He can effectively play as an attacking midfielder, right or left wingback, and even as a winger on either flank. One significant factor contributing to his versatility is his proficiency with both feet. Although primarily a right-footed player, Buchanan's left foot is nearly as precise, allowing him to execute technical moves without favoring one foot over the other. This ambidexterity enhances his adaptability and makes him a valuable player who can be utilized in multiple roles depending on the tactical requirements of the team.

Buchanan's professional demeanor and work ethic are additional factors that make him a desirable signing for Inter Milan. He has earned accolades such as the CONCACAF Best Young Player and Canada’s Best Young Athlete awards. Despite his early success, Buchanan has remained humble and receptive to feedback from coaches and senior teammates, making him a coachable and adaptable player. His willingness to learn and improve has been a key factor in his development and has likely contributed to Inter Milan's interest in him.

Addressing Misconceptions: Assist and Crossing Capabilities

While Buchanan's assist abilities have been recognized in major tournaments, his crossing accuracy has come under scrutiny, particularly during his time at Club Brugge. Over the past two seasons, Buchanan's crossing success rate has been relatively low, ranging between 12% and 15%. This can be attributed to two main factors. Firstly, during his initial two years at Club Brugge, the team lacked a reliable target man, with the focus often shifting to Charles De Ketelaere, who was not an out-and-out striker. Secondly, Club Brugge frequently found themselves playing in a more static, possession-based style in the Belgian league, which is not conducive to Buchanan's strengths as a speed-based player.

However, Buchanan's crossing accuracy improves significantly in international and European competitions. His crossing success rate for the Canadian national team is 31%, and it climbs to 39% in European competitions. These statistics suggest that Buchanan's assist capabilities are not as limited as some may believe and that he thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments where his speed and quick decision-making can be fully utilized.

Three Key Strengths Validated by Major Tournaments

Speed and Quickness

Buchanan's greatest strength is his speed, both in terms of his physical pace and his mental quickness. This attribute is not only valuable for making rapid runs down the wing but also for his defensive duties. His ability to intercept passes and react quickly to second balls is crucial, especially in high-stakes matches where the pace of the game can be relentless. Buchanan's speed enables him to cover significant ground, make quick recoveries, and transition effectively between defense and attack.

Assist Potential

Despite some initial skepticism about his crossing abilities, Buchanan has demonstrated a strong aptitude for providing assists, especially in major tournaments. His assist record in the Champions League, Europa Conference League, and World Cup highlights his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Buchanan's versatility and proficiency with both feet allow him to create scoring opportunities from various positions on the field, making him a valuable playmaker for Inter Milan.

Versatility and Adaptability

Buchanan's ability to play in multiple positions and his proficiency with both feet make him a versatile and adaptable player. His coaches and mentors have praised his capacity to fill various roles, including attacking midfielder, wingback, and winger on either flank. This versatility is a significant asset for Inter Milan, as it provides tactical flexibility and allows the team to adjust their strategies based on the specific demands of each match.

Areas for Improvement: Buchanan’s Weaknesses

Low Dribbling Success Rate

One of Buchanan's notable weaknesses is his relatively low dribbling success rate. Despite his reputation for sharp dribbling, data from both the Belgian Pro League and European competitions indicate that Buchanan's dribbling success rate is not particularly high. He tends to fail in approximately three out of every five dribbling attempts, with a dribbling success rate of 23.8%. Even when he does succeed in dribbling past opponents, there is a high likelihood that he will draw a foul, which can lead to increased injury risks in a physically demanding league like Serie A.

In the tactical landscape of Serie A, excessive dribbling failures can leave a team vulnerable to counterattacks, a situation that smaller teams in the league excel at exploiting. Therefore, Buchanan will need to adjust his playing style and reduce his reliance on dribbling to maintain possession and prevent turnovers that could lead to dangerous counterattacks.

Weak Shooting Ability

Buchanan's shooting ability is another area that requires improvement. Despite his speed and ability to create scoring opportunities in fast-paced matches, his finishing skills are lacking. In the 2023 calendar year, Buchanan's shot accuracy was 31.9%, and his conversion rate was only 8%, with an expected goals (xG) value of 0.39 per game and an actual goals per game value of 0.09. This significant discrepancy between his expected and actual goals highlights the need for Buchanan to work on his finishing skills to become a more reliable goal-scoring threat.

Defensive Vulnerabilities

Defensively, Buchanan has room for improvement, particularly in his one-on-one defending. Although his overall defensive statistics, such as 1.89 tackles and interceptions per game, appear adequate, his tendency to overcommit in defensive challenges leaves him vulnerable. Buchanan's aggressive approach to defending, characterized by frequent attempts to win the ball outright, often results in him being dribbled past by opponents. This is a common issue among players who have developed their skills in North America, where a more aggressive defensive style is prevalent.

In Serie A, defenders prioritize maintaining their position and minimizing the risk of being outmaneuvered. Buchanan will need to adapt to this more disciplined defensive approach to avoid being exploited by the skilled attackers he will face in Italy. His eagerness to win the ball can be an asset, but he must learn to balance aggression with caution to become a more effective defender.

Conclusion: A Promising Talent with Areas for Growth

Tajon Buchanan’s imminent move to Inter Milan marks a significant step in his career. His physical prowess, assist potential, and versatility make him a promising addition to the team. Buchanan’s strengths have been validated by his performances in major tournaments, where he has demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure.

However, Buchanan is not without his weaknesses. His dribbling success rate, shooting ability, and defensive discipline are areas that need improvement. As he transitions to Serie A, Buchanan will need to refine these aspects of his game to succeed in the more tactical and physically demanding environment of Italian football.

Inter Milan’s coaching staff and fans will need to exercise patience as Buchanan continues to develop and adapt to his new team and league. With the right guidance and a focus on addressing his weaknesses, Buchanan has the potential to become a key player for Inter Milan and make a significant impact in Serie A.