Although World Cup squad announcements can make dreams come true for many, some players are also left heartbroken when they are told the dreaded news that they haven’t made it.
This was sadly the case for Arsenal loanee Auston Trusty, who was not named in Gregg Berhalter’s 26-man USMNT roster last night.
The 24-year-old was loaned straight out to Championship side Birmingham City in the summer despite not playing a single minute at Arsenal or in England, but that hasn’t mattered.
READ MORE: Fans can’t believe Arsenal star was left out of USMNT World Cup squad despite incredible form
Trusty has taken to English football like a duck to water, becoming a colossal figure at the heart of Birmingham’s defence and establishing himself as a real fan favourite at St. Andrews.
A number of Man of the Match-worthy displays and three goals in 20 league appearances led Blues manager John Eustace to believe that the defender should be at the upcoming World Cup, admitting that he’d even spoken to Berhalter directly.
“He should be on that plane, definitely,” Eustace said in October. “It’s definitely not too late. I’ve spoken to the US manager 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.”
Unfortunately for Trusty, it just wasn’t to be, leaving supporters - and his parent club - unhappy as they reacted to his exclusion on social media.
Trusty himself has since spoken out on the decision but was unsurprisingly classy as he wished the USMNT well during their time in Qatar.
“Would have loved to be on the plane, but all in Gods timing. Wishing all the best to the @USMNT squad in Qatar! Make us all proud! USA,” Trusty wrote on Twitter accompanied by an emoji of the United States flag.
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