John Buckley is an impressive Powerhouse, boasting elite shielding, stamina, acceleration, and balance, making him a formidable presence in the midfield when protecting the ball or driving forward. His aggression ensures he’s always involved, covering significant ground across the pitch. Yet, he's significantly hampered by a profound lack of creativity and guile, meaning he struggles to unlock opposition defences or produce incisive passes, and his surprising weakness in duels often sees him bypassed in critical moments.