A new formation is set to hit the streets of Glasgow.
Celtic fans have been used to a back four, with three midfielders, and three forward players, or a formation in and around that mould in recent times.
But ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at Celtic, he is expected to bring a formation that will require the use of three centre-backs.
That puts a lot of emphasis on someone like Auston Trusty, who, alongside Liam Scales, are the only fit senior centre-backs because of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ long-term injury.
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Photo by Kirk Irwin – Leagues Cup/MLS via Getty ImagesAuston Trusty on playing out from the back
Timing is a beautiful thing because it just so happened that, after Trusty’s recall to the USMNT side under Mauricio Pochettino in November, he returned to the XI by playing in a back three.
Just like at Celtic, the hard-hitting American defender provided an assist as his nation thrashed Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay 5-1 in an international friendly.
Trusty spoke about playing out from the back, in a back three, and how he is ‘very mobile’ in doing so.
The 27-year-old described how it allows him to be ‘aggressive’ and bring out his attacking qualities, which he will be able to do in a back three.
All in all, it will be music to the ears of Nancy.
“It’s one of the big benefits of how I play,” Trusty told The Athletic on his attacking ability from centre-back.
“When I play with two centre-backs, or even if I’m playing with three centre-backs, I’m very mobile. I just play the game and respond to what it gives.
“In any situation, I’m more than happy, more than capable of taking in space and being aggressive and being in a more offensive role. Some centre-backs want to kind of stay back in their zone.
“Look, at the same time, I love to defend. But yeah, I enjoy getting forward and making numerical advantages that are difficult for the other team.”
Trusty’s warning to the Premiership leaders, Hearts
The last time Celtic played Hearts, Trusty was sitting on the bench, as Dane Murray produced an error-stricken performance.
You suspect that ahead of Hearts’ arrival at Parkhead next month, it’s going to be Trusty starting at the heart of defence, as the champions of Scotland aim to catch the current Premiership leaders.
Even though it has been a brilliant start by Derek McInnes’ side, Trusty made it clear that there is still a long way to go, and he has total belief in his side.
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“I think we have really good fans, and it’s a long season,” responded Trusty on Celtic trying to catch Hearts.
“The fans here have been supporters for many generations, so they’ve seen a lot of football over the years. They know it’s a very, very long season.
“Especially going into the winter, that’s when it really tests you, and that’s where Celtic can shine. We’re an experienced group of players, too, and in this league, experience is big. I fully believe in us.”
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