Weah makes first start for PSG

Tim Weah made his first start for Paris Saint-Germain in the final match of the season, a scoreless draw with Caen at the Stade Michel d’Ornano. The Parisian club managed to survive yet another challenging year in Ligue 1, armed with merely a roster comprised of world class players and the financial power of Qatar.

The 18-year-old American had a mildly active 90 minutes and by all accounts was very unlucky not to register an assist. He forced a turnover early in the match and made the right pass, but Javier Pastore was unable to finish from 12 yards out.

PSG caps another wildly successful yet disappointing season, having won four trophies (league, association cup, league cup, and super cup), but failed to even come close to capturing the Champions League. Will Neymar stick around another year? That’s a discussion for a different blog.

It was a routine season for PSG, but a breakthrough (not breakout) one for Weah. He joined PSG’s youth setup in 2014 after a spell in the New York Red Bulls Academy and worked his way up the ladder, making his professional debut against Troyes in March.

”PSG was always a club that I wanted to join,” he told the club website in a recent interview (via ESPN). “I was ready to come and work hard for the team. When I joined the senior side, I was just shocked to find myself among footballing legends.”

His current manager Unai Emery had kind words for the starlet, stating that “each training session is good for Timothy. Every single minute spent with the professionals is positive.”

Despite the progress that’s been made, the ground may already be shifting beneath Weah’s feet. Emery is departing Paris, with his replacement – former Augsburg, Mainz, and Dortmund gaffer – Thomas Tuchel on the way.

Will a new manager mean good or bad things for Weah’s immediate future? Tuchel has a decent reputation for giving minutes to talented young players, but he’ll have his own opinions on who deserves a roster spot on match days.

Weah – with a mere three appearances under his belt – is clearly young and talented, a description shared by many players. He’ll have to continue to work hard in training to earn playing time, provided he fits into his new manager’s plans.

At the very least, USMNT fans should get the chance to see him suit up in the upcoming friendlies. Weah made his debut for the United States in March’s friendly against Paraguay and future rosters will likely have a focus on youth.