While Auston Trusty is an essential part of the Celtic defence, his standing within the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) remains a work in progress.
As America prepares to co-host the World Cup this summer, alongside Canada and Mexico, Trusty is still fighting to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred XI.
However, that climb toward a starting role is putting Celtic’s starting centre-back in a positive light, as major US outlet Yardbarker has backed the Hoops star to secure a place in their predicted line-up for world football’s greatest stage.
“Auston Trusty has had an up-and-down season with Celtic, but his pace and ball-playing abilities will make him an invaluable member of the USMNT” wrote Yardbarker.
Why do you think Auston Trusty has played his best football under Martin O’Neill this season?
Can Auston Trusty’s Celtic performances help him break into the USA squad for the World Cup?
Pochettino was appointed coach of the USMNT in September 2024, and since then, Trusty has only played three matches for his country, starting once.
Luckily for Trusty, that one start came during the USA’s commanding 5-1 win over Uruguay last time out, where he played in a back three and helped himself to an assist.
But it’s great to see an American outlet back Celtic’s man at the back for the World Cup, because he does have a fight on his hands to make the final cut.
The expert eye of Yardbarker has highlighted Trusty’s ‘ball-playing abilities’ as a reason why he should start in a back three alongside the experienced Tim Ream, and Crystal Palace star, Chris Richards.
“Auston Trusty has had an up-and-down season with Celtic, but his pace and ball-playing abilities will make him an invaluable member of the USNMT,’ wrote Yardbarker.
“Richards and Ream are no-nonsense defenders – Trusty, on the other hand, will allow the USA to play out from the back if they are required to do so.”
Trusty needs to find consistency at Celtic
Despite the growing hype from across the Atlantic, the hard truth for Trusty is that he remains on the fringes of the USMNT setup for a reason.
While his Man of the Match display against Rangers at the weekend showed what he is capable of, he hasn’t yet reached the level of consistency that Pochettino demands for a World Cup starter.
To truly force his way into America’s starting XI, Trusty must ensure he ends the season at Celtic with the highest marks possible and trophies in hand.
If he can iron out the up-and-down nature of his performances and prove he is a reliable operator, then the starting jersey in America this summer will be his to lose.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
