A stellar performance from Celtic’s summer signing Auston Trusty

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The Celtic Star

·24 October 2024

A stellar performance from Celtic’s summer signing Auston Trusty

It’s fair to say that Auston Trusty has had mixed reviews so far in a Celtic jersey and his baptism of fire in Dortmund in the Champions League had Celtic supporters longing for the return of our Big Strong Man, Cameron Carter-Vickers….

Atalanta BC v Celtic FC – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC 1907 contrasts with Auston Trusty of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 League Phase MD3 football match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, on October 23, 2024. Bergamo Italy. Photo Roberto Tommasini

But CCV did not travel, despite training at Celtic Park ahead of the squad heading to the airport for the flight to Milan and instead his fellow American was going to be partnering Liam Scales in the centre of the Celtic defence. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing as it happens…

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A stellar performance from Auston Trusty

The 26 year-old put in an heroic defensive display against Atalanta. Forward Mateo Retugi, who currently leads the goalscoring charts in Serie A with eight goals to his name, was posted missing for Gasperini’s men. Every duel, header, and tackle was won by the resilient American.

Questions have been raised over whether Auston Trusty is the answer for Celtic’s backline issues, however, he proved last night his reliable qualities. Cameron Carter-Vickers absence had a lot of Celtic fans worrying, and rightfully so, but it would be harsh on the former Sheffield United defender to be displaced by his fellow American on Sunday at Fir Park. Alongside the undervalued Liam Scales, who like Trusty was sensational last night, the two centre-backs masterminded in shutting out a free-flowing Atalanta side.

Atalanta BC v Celtic FC – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC 1907 is followed by Auston Trusty of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 League Phase MD3 football match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, on October 23, 2024. Bergamo Italy. Photo Roberto Tommasini

Match-day three’s clean sheet is the first time Celtic have had a shutout in the Champions League since a 3-0 win versus Anderlecht in Belgium seven years ago. This ended a run of 18 games without one, in which 51 goals were conceded during that tortuous period on the continent. Notably, Trusty and Scales were not the only defensive stars. Fullbacks Alex Valle and Alistair Johnston worked tirelessly to prevent the Italians from slicing Celtic apart in the wide areas like we saw in Germany.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic FC is pressured by Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta BC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Nicholas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda relinquished their attacking roles and were a fundamental part in the defensive shape. Skipper Callum McGregor remained cool in front of a concentrated backline displaying his experience throughout tough moments in the match. Already mentioned, Kasper Schmeichel, who faced a bombardment of 22 shots, produced two top saves from Mario Pasalic in the first-half.

Colossal tactical work from Celtic whose pragmatic outlook paid dividends.

Conor Spence

Celtic FC players applaud the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)