Auston Trusty backed to challenge for Arsenal first-team spot

Arsenal have struck gold in the past few years when it comes to finding gems.

The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba have become world-class stars after the Gunners snapped them up.

And the likes of Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira also look like they’ve got bright futures ahead of them.

Another relatively recent Arsenal signing is currently making waves 98 miles up the road.

In January, Colorado Rapids defender Auston Trusty signed with the Gunners.

He stayed on loan with the Rapids until July, after which he headed to Arsenal.

Almost immediately, the Gunners loaned Trusty out to Birmingham City for the 2022–23 season.

The American talent has made 18 appearances for the Blues, registering three goals.

And Birmingham boss John Eustace believes Trusty can go on and establish himself at Arsenal when he returns.

The Birmingham Mail quotes Eustace as saying: “He is going to be a top player.

“He’s going to go back to Arsenal and hopefully push for that first-team spot.

“He deserves to be going to the World Cup. His performances for us having been exceptional and they are only going to get better.”

Under the radar

Trusty’s signing went somewhat under the radar at Arsenal, likely because of his age and position.

However, he has been doing very well at Birmingham, and his manager rates him incredibly highly.

Trusty has received plaudits throughout his career, with Rapids head coach Robin Fraser hailing his “incredible development”.

Admittedly, Trusty has a hard job at Arsenal, with competition in the form of some of the best defenders in world football right now.

Nonetheless, it’ll be exciting to see what his future holds, and Arteta is surely liking what he’s seeing from the player.