Inter Milan’s Returning Star Climbs Dribbling Rankings in 16 Minutes: Inzaghi’s Plan Comes to Fruition

Inter Milan's emphatic 5-0 victory over Hellas Verona brought widespread praise for several players. The spotlight naturally fell on head coach Simone Inzaghi, standout performers like Marcus Thuram and Kristjan Asllani, and others such as Stefan de Vrij, who scored, and Yann Sommer, who celebrated his 100th clean sheet in Europe’s top five leagues. However, Italian outlet Sky Sport highlighted an equally significant development: the return of Tajon Buchanan.

The Canadian winger, known for his explosive pace and direct style, made his way back into the squad after months on the sidelines. In just 16 minutes off the bench, Buchanan completed two successful dribbles out of three attempts, catapulting himself into Inter’s top five dribblers for the season. This, according to Sky Sport, is exactly what Inzaghi had planned all along.

Inzaghi’s Patient Approach

Buchanan’s appearance against Verona wasn’t a spontaneous decision; it was a carefully orchestrated move. Over a month ago, the winger had resumed full training and was named in the squad for five consecutive matches. Yet, Inzaghi refrained from giving him even a single minute of playing time during tightly contested encounters, drawing confusion from fans and pundits alike.

At the time, La Gazzetta dello Sport revealed Inzaghi’s reasoning: the coach believed high-stakes games against Juventus, Napoli, Venezia, and Arsenal were unsuitable for a player returning from a lengthy injury. Physical duels and intense pressure could have hampered Buchanan’s confidence and recovery. Instead, Inzaghi earmarked weaker opponents as ideal opportunities for the winger to regain match fitness and rediscover his rhythm.

This plan first unfolded during Canada’s international fixtures in November. Facing Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League, Buchanan came off the bench in two consecutive matches. In the first game, his lack of sharpness was evident during a brief 15-minute cameo. However, in the second match, he played 20 minutes and showed significant improvement, delivering a key pass and narrowly missing a scoring opportunity.

With those warm-up matches under his belt, Buchanan was deemed ready for Serie A action. Against Verona, Inzaghi subbed him in during the 74th minute, a gesture accompanied by words of encouragement from the coach himself.

A Promising Cameo

Buchanan wasted no time making an impact. Shortly after entering the pitch, he linked up with Joaquín Correa in a swift one-two passing move down the right flank, showcasing his speed and positioning. Though the final pass fell short, the sequence hinted at his potential to create scoring opportunities.

Minutes later, Buchanan confidently surged past his marker, earning a free kick in a dangerous area. Then, in the 85th minute, he delivered what Italian media hailed as his most dazzling moment in an Inter jersey so far. Receiving a pass from Kristjan Asllani, Buchanan executed a sharp turn, accelerated into open space, and successfully dribbled past two opponents. His eventual cross into the box set up Henrikh Mkhitaryan for a promising chance, though the midfielder’s shot went over the bar.

Despite playing only 16 minutes, Buchanan’s dribbling success stood out. His two completed take-ons placed him in Inter’s top five dribblers for the season—a testament to his individual skill in a team historically lacking in this department.

Addressing Inter’s Weaknesses

Inter’s dribbling stats this season have been underwhelming. After 13 Serie A matches, only four players—Nicolò Barella, Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martínez, and Davide Frattesi—had managed more than two successful dribbles. This makes Buchanan’s performance, albeit in limited time, particularly noteworthy.

However, his decision-making in the final third remains a work in progress. While his dribbles are often electrifying, his final pass or shot frequently lacks precision. Inzaghi and his coaching staff will need to refine this aspect of his game to maximize his impact.

A Thoughtful Long-Term Plan

Buchanan’s gradual reintegration underscores Inzaghi’s meticulous approach to player management. Allowing Buchanan to ease back into competition through lower-stakes matches appears to be yielding results. His progression—from a tentative return with Canada to a confident display against Verona—demonstrates growing sharpness and confidence.

When Inter submitted their Champions League roster earlier this season, Inzaghi made the controversial decision to include Buchanan despite his injury, leaving out other potential contributors like Carlos Palacios. The move was questioned at the time but now seems to reflect the coach’s belief in Buchanan’s potential.

As Inter continue to compete on multiple fronts, the Canadian winger offers a unique skill set to complement a squad otherwise limited in one-on-one capabilities. Buchanan’s ability to inject dynamism and unpredictability could prove invaluable, particularly in matches where Inter need to break down stubborn defenses.

For Buchanan, the journey back to full fitness and form is far from over. Yet, his promising cameo against Verona suggests that Inzaghi’s patient and calculated strategy is beginning to bear fruit. As the Canadian international settles back into Inter’s rotation, fans and coaches alike will be watching to see how he continues to develop and contribute.