American teenager Weah makes debut for Paris Saint-Germain, almost scores
Christian Pulisic is the superstar. Weston McKennie is the captain-in-waiting. Josh Sargent is the next leader of the line.
But Timothy Weah could be just as crucial to the United States men’s national team going forward as any of them. And on Saturday, he made his senior debut for one of the biggest clubs in the world:
Like father like son. The heir of famous @PSG_English & @acmilan legend @GeorgeWeahOff, #TimothyWeah makes his official debut in @Ligue1_ENG with only 18 years of age. #ESTACPSG pic.twitter.com/BHejSRJeVJ
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) March 3, 2018
Weah played the last 10 or so minutes and nearly scored for Paris Saint-Germain in its 2-0 away victory over Troyes. PSG midfielder Christopher Nkunku played Weah through down the left flank in stoppage time, and Weah decided to go right at Troyes goalkeeper Edwin Zelazny, who did well to deflect Weah’s attempt to curl his shot around him.
The 18-year-old had scant touches otherwise, but his debut was still noteworthy. The American-born son of Liberian legend and former FIFA World Player of the Year George Weah, Timothy has been a mainstay of the U.S. Under-17 team for the past couple years but figures to feature prominently for the senior team going forward.
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His inclusion in PSG’s matchday squad was his first since signing for the French giants last summer, doubtlessly prompted by Neymar’s recent foot injury. Weah’s future ultimately may lie elsewhere, with PSG flush with talent in its attack, but breaking through into the first team is no small feat.
The debate over whether or not it’s better for American players to ply their trade in Europe and therefore against top competition has raged for years. With Weah at PSG, Pulisic at Borussia Dortmund (and soon, perhaps, the Premier League) and McKennie and Sargent also both in the Bundesliga, a more definitive answer could be coming soon.
PSG is running away with Ligue 1 and faces a stiff challenge in continuing its Champions League campaign, having lost to Real Madrid 3-1 in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash. So it’s not inconceivable Weah could see more time as PSG tries to develop him.
Saturday was the first step.
Joey Gulino is the editor of FC Yahoo and moonlights as a writer. Follow him on Twitter at @JGulinoYahoo.
