It’s fair to say that Auston Trusty’s surprise move to Arsenal from the MLS was one which originally came across as more of a business opportunity for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, gaining exposure in the States and improving the Gunners’ relationship with Colorado Rapids as a result. However, fast forward ten months and it could potentially turn out to be more beneficial than initially anticipated.
The Rapids are, like Arsenal, owned by KSE and according to The Athletic, the Kroenkes had been looking into ways that could ‘create deeper connections between their sporting franchises’. It’s added that KSE eventually ‘hope to share information across their network that will allow Arsenal to expand and deepen their scouting operations in North America’.
So when, out of absolutely nowhere, it was announced that 23-year-old Trusty had signed for Arsenal but would remain out on loan for at least the next year, fans were adamant that they would never see him play for the first-team.
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Whenever a player makes the switch from America to the UK, there is always scepticism around how they will adapt to the English game. Granted, the quality of MLS has slowly improved over time, but the standard between that and the Premier League respectfully remains incomparable. On top of that, there was the aforementioned sense that Trusty’s move was purely about expanding Arsenal’s international network rather than strengthening Mikel Arteta’s squad.
To Trusty’s credit, however, he is proving that his arrival in England means way more than any of that and his performances may even get Arteta thinking. The central defender joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan following his arrival in the UK this summer and has since taken the Sky Bet Championship by storm.
Several impressive displays for the Blues have seen Trusty become a real fans' favourite at St. Andrew’s, with supporters often chanting “USA” in support for the now 24-year-old. As well as proving to be an absolute brick wall in the heart of Birmingham’s backline, Trusty is also playing a key role going forward, bagging not one but two goals against Bristol City on Saturday.
"Auston Trusty is the greatest defender in the world. There's no doubt in my mind he can make that jump [to the Premier League]," one Birmingham supporter tweeted earlier in the season. Replying to a call for Birmingham to sign Trusty permanently at the weekend, another fan said: "Be very surprised if we get him on a permanent man, absolute Rolls Royce of a player."
As well as receiving plenty of well deserved praise from supporters, Birmingham manager John Eustace believes Trusty should be on the plane to Qatar in November as part of USA’s World Cup squad. “He should be on that plane, definitely,” said Eustace. “It’s definitely not too late. I’ve spoken to the US manager (Gregg Berhalter) and I have told him how well he is doing.
“It’s important they see that and understand he’s playing in one of the toughest leagues in Europe, week-in, week-out, against top players. I think they’ve watched a couple of games on video but I’ve told them to get the scouts out and watch him play. He (Berhalter) should come and watch him himself.”
Eustace also believes Trusty is only going to get better, reiterating how lucky Birmingham are to have him at the club. “He’s a special talent and he is going to be a top player going forward. He’s getting better. He’s a young player who has come from the MLS into a very tough league in the Championship and he’s got good players around him.
“He’s in a good environment to develop and that’s what I want,” Eustace added. “The way he applies himself and his positive attitude is excellent and it rubs off on everyone.” Whether or not Trusty eventually gets his chance with Arsenal remains to be seen and will most likely be dependent on how he fares for the remainder of the season, but he himself has admitted that it’s something he has thought about."
“Being a player with Arsenal - you can't not factor that in,” Trusty told America Soccer Now. “They are one of the biggest clubs, if not the biggest club in the world. I back myself. I believe in myself. There were other offers on the table, but when they came into the picture, that's a dream club for any kid in the world. It was kind of a no-brainer.”
Fortunately for Trusty, a space in Arsenal’s defence is waiting to be filled and his performances are sending a warning to Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian currently finds himself as the Gunners’ only natural left-sided centre-back and if Trusty continues to impress, there's no reason why the Championship standout can't compete with him in the future. He offers athleticism and height, standing at 6ft 4in tall, while also being left-footed - a trait Arteta likes to have in a central defender.
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