Celtic defender Auston Trusty is unlikely to dominate the headlines after the USA’s 3-2 win over Senegal on Saturday.
The Celtic star only featured for the second half, and there were plenty of bigger talking points as Mauricio Pochettino’s side edged an entertaining contest.
Yet the numbers from his 45-minute cameo tell a slightly different story. In fact, one statistic stands out more than any other.
Trusty has had his critics since arriving at Celtic. There have been occasions when he has looked vulnerable, particularly during difficult moments for the team.
That is why his latest international outing deserves a closer look.
Why do you think Auston Trusty has played his best football under Martin O’Neill this season?
Celtic defender Auston Trusty quietly impressed for USA
Trusty entered the game at half-time and helped the USA navigate a challenging second period against a Senegal side packed with quality and experience.
It was not a performance built on dramatic last-ditch tackles or eye-catching moments.
Instead, it was the sort of display coaches tend to appreciate more than supporters.
The 26-year-old looked composed in possession, dealt with his defensive duties efficiently and rarely gave Senegal an opportunity to isolate him.
By the final whistle, the statistics painted a picture of a Celtic defender who simply got the job done.
One Celtic-linked statistic stands above the rest
Several numbers from Trusty’s cameo are encouraging. Here are his stats from Fotmob.
- 18/22 passes completed (82%)
- 1 chance created
- 3 clearances
- 1 interception
- 2 recoveries
- 2/2 aerial duels won
- 0 fouls committed
- 0 times dispossessed
But one statistic stands above the rest.
Trusty was not dribbled past once. For a centre-back, that matters.
Senegal possess attackers capable of causing problems for any defence, yet Trusty completed his half of football without being beaten by an opponent in a one-v-one situation.
It is not the kind of statistic that generates viral clips or social media excitement.
What it does show is defensive reliability.
Trusty still has work to do to convince every Celtic supporter, but this was another reminder that there is a dependable defender there when judged on his actual performances rather than pre-existing perceptions.
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