TRUSTY IN ME
Brum’s new American says: There is a stigma that coming from MLS we can’t cut it but I think I can turn a lot of heads
AUSTON TRUSTY has a point to prove after choosing to test himself in the relentless slog that is Championship football.
Pennsylvania-born Trusty has signed up for a season at Birmingham, on loan from Arsenal, to boost his World Cup prospects.
But he is also determined to demonstrate that American recruits from across the pond can cut it on these shores.
The defender has over a century of MLS appearances and was bought by
Arsenal in
January from the
Colorado Rapids, where he remained on loan until this summer.
Now he has joined boss John Eustace (above) for his first taste of British football.
“If I come here and do my job and do my thing, that can prove a lot,” said Trusty.
“Playing MLS, and doing well there, you get some respect and get noticed a little bit more.
“But if I come here and play my game like I can, I think I could turn a lot of heads, open a lot of eyes. There is a stigma, and I think other guys in the national team think the same thing.
“In a sense we get the, ‘They can’t play’, just because we’re Americans.
“Maybe people have heard that before.
“It adds another factor to why we have to prove ourselves. It’s how we feel.”
After being capped by his country at Under-23 level, Trusty is also on a mission to make their senior squad for Qatar this winter.
He says all the American players are fired up for the World Cup where they will face England in their second Group B game at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Last time the nations met in a friendly in 2018, England won 3-0 at Wembley with goals from Jesse Lingard, Trent Alexander-arnold and Callum Wilson. And the Three Lions have dominated the history of matches between the countries with eight wins in 11 games.
And Trusty, 23, knows the USA have a point to prove, admitting: “There is obviously history between the US and England.
“If you look at English football, it’s the gold standard.
“So if the USA can go and beat England, we’re going to be feeling pretty happy about that.
“I think there’s a bit of a stigma against USA football players and the US national team but I think we’re really good.”
Trusty is fit and raring to go this term after only just finishing in MLS season with Colorado earlier this month.
He added: “The staff here have been looking after my body but my mindset is, ‘Go until I drop man’.
“I’m so excited to be here.
Leaving my country it’s a transition for me, but it’s also good for the growth of my game and personal life. I’m just looking forward to it.”
Trusty is in line to make his debut for Birmingham at Luton this afternoon, whom Blues beat twice last term.
Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: “We like progression so the first progression we can do this season is don’t get beat by Birmingham because it happened twice last year.
“We have had two disappointing results against them.”