Inter's Strategy to Activate Their Second Dribbling King Unveiled: A Series of Positional Shifts – Coincidence or Necessity?

Inter Milan is making a final push for the trophy and their second star. Fans are thrilled with the team’s performance, and tickets for the next two home games have long been sold out. The last home game against Lazio, which includes the trophy presentation, is particularly in high demand. However, some fans are slightly disappointed that they haven’t seen more of the new wingback, Tajon Buchanan. Buchanan is rapidly integrating into Inter. In the recent match against Udinese, his involvement was significantly different compared to when he first joined.

Back in February, when Buchanan made his debut for Inter, he played around 20 minutes, including stoppage time. Despite his enthusiasm, he often found himself out of position, managing a meager five touches. His efforts were commendable, but with such few touches, his statistics were nearly non-existent. By April, in Inter’s narrow 2-1 victory over Udinese, Buchanan came on as a substitute again, playing about 14 minutes, including stoppage time. This time, he had 12 touches, blocked a shot, and registered his first two shots for Inter. Although these attempts posed limited threats, it was a positive sign.

Team journalists have reported that Buchanan’s playing time will increase once the trophy is secured. This is not only because Inter will have the confidence to rotate players but also because the coach is pleased with Buchanan’s progress in integrating into the team’s system and his diligent attitude in training, despite limited game time. However, the question remains: what position will Buchanan play? Initially brought in due to Cuadrado’s surgery, Buchanan was meant to be a “rotational right wingback.” Yet, his future at Inter may not lie on the right side.

Similarly, Augusto was brought in as a “rotational left wingback,” but his future at Inter might not be at the wingback position. This situation has led to a series of positional shifts. On February 16, 41 days after Buchanan joined Inter, he made his debut for the Nerazzurri. With Inter leading Salernitana 3-0 and having used four substitutions, Buchanan was set to be the fifth. Surprisingly, instead of replacing Dumfries, he came on for Bastoni. Augusto moved to left center-back, and Buchanan took the left wingback position. Post-match, Inzaghi explained that Bastoni was fatigued. Initially, it seemed like a stopgap measure to prevent injuries with the last substitution.

But was it really a coincidence? Throughout the season, Buchanan has played four times, with three appearances on the left (once replacing Bastoni and twice replacing Dimarco) and only once on the right (against Napoli, replacing Darmian). His shortest appearance was that right-sided substitution. Meanwhile, Augusto, in his last six appearances for Inter, has played as a center-back 4.5 times (with one game involving a position switch). In these six matches, three were full starts as a center-back (against Lecce, Genoa, and Udinese). Thus, even if Buchanan’s debut on the left seemed incidental, subsequent events suggest a deliberate strategy from the coach to develop him on the left side while viewing Augusto more as a center-back.

Why is this the case? The primary reason lies in the durability of Inter’s left-sided players compared to the right. Dimarco and Bastoni play crucial roles as key rotational players, but both have endurance issues. As a staunch supporter of Dimarco, I’ve often pointed out his physical limitations—not just his short stature, lack of speed, or muscle mass, but also his subpar cardiovascular and endurance capacities, which are significant drawbacks for a wingback. Bastoni, on the other hand, frequently suffers from minor injuries, especially during dense schedules, affecting his longevity. In contrast, the right side, anchored by Dumfries, Darmian, Pavard, and Bisseck, is more durable. Additionally, Cuadrado is recovering from injury, awaiting his chance.

Thus, the coach’s decision to shift Augusto to center-back and Buchanan to the left wing is a strategic move for the team’s benefit, prompting players to adapt. When Buchanan joined, experts noted that the Canadian winger would need months to adjust and a full summer training camp to mesh with the team. Therefore, fans might have to wait until the 2024-25 season to see Buchanan truly shine. Many anticipate Buchanan’s breakout season next year, given Inter’s need for players with his dribbling prowess. Despite limited playtime this season, Buchanan averages 2.0 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, ranking second on the team behind Sensi, who is set to leave.

Buchanan’s arrival was noted for his potential to add the much-needed dribbling element to Inter’s play. This season, Inter’s Champions League quarterfinals showcased the importance of a balanced approach: a mature system, individual brilliance, and seizing opportunities. Some fans might be overly optimistic, demanding a Champions League final appearance, but Inter should focus on addressing their needs. If Buchanan explodes next season, what position will it be in? According to Gazzetta dello Sport, it will be on the left.