Finally, Wilfried Nancy’s system came to fruition for Celtic against Aberdeen on Sunday.
Yes, there is still a long way to go, but Celtic fans have something to smile about because that win provided everyone with a much-needed lift.
A lot has been made of Nancy’s new formation, playing three at the back, with Auston Trusty being a constant starter during his five games in charge.
On paper, Nancy is playing a lot of forward-thinking players, even fullbacks on either side of the middle centre-back.
But Pat Bonner questioned the quality of Trusty at the heart of it all.
- READ MORE: Willie Miller stunned by what Celtic did against Aberdeen, says ‘I haven’t seen anything like it’
Could this formation be used at Celtic by Wilfried Nancy? Let us know how you would line up in the comments.
Pat Bonner is unsure about Auston Trusty in Wilfried Nancy’s system
Celtic dominated Aberdeen, and just like against Dundee United, they should have seen off Jimmy Thelin’s men a lot quicker and with a much better end product.
That didn’t happen, and it allowed Aberdeen back into the game, with Trusty partly at fault for the equaliser, as he failed to defend his one-v-one duel with Kenan Bilalovic.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland (21/12/25), Bonner is ‘not sure’ whether Trusty has the skill set to play in a back three for Celtic, and defend against the opposition in such a risky manner.
“He (Nancy) just has to tighten up that defence,” said Bonner. “Whether Trusty be good enough to play that on his own, probably against top-class players. Not so sure.
“That’s the bit, I would think, he might bring in a player in there to consolidate that.”
Celtic fans, send a message to Wilfried Nancy after big Aberdeen win.
Trusty’s stats for Celtic against Aberdeen
There is no doubt that Celtic need depth in quality at the back, and that’s where the January transfer window will play a part.
But Trusty has a chance to make the starting spot his own, with Cameron Carter-Vickers injured long-term and Liam Scales being dropped.
But this is how Trusty rated against Aberdeen.
- Shots: 2
- Aerials won: 1
- Total tackles: 3
- Interceptions: 2
- Clearances: 1
- Blocked shots: 3
- Fouls: 1
- Accurate Long Balls: 6
- Touches: 110
- WhoScored rating: 7.45
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