A former Celtic legend has made a strong comparison for loanee forward Timothy Weah.
According to Sky Sports, Charlie Nicholas has compared the 18-year-old U.S. Men’s National Team forward to former Arsenal and Real Madrid striker Nicolas Anelka. Weah has made eight appearances for the Scottish leaders, scoring three goals and adding one assist.
Most importantly, Weah has been able to earn valuable first-team minutes under Brendan Rodgers after joining Celtic on a six-month loan in January. Although it may not be the glitz and glamour of the Parc Des Princes, Weah can continue to use this loan to grow as a player on and off the pitch.
“He has looked lively and is quick, especially in that role at PSG,” Nicholas said. “He has enthusiasm and he is trying to make his own reputation in the game, even if he isn’t as good as whichever relative played before him, but everyone will start to question that.”
“He reminds me of when Nicolas Anelka first came into the Arsenal side- the speed and desire to get in with the markers, he remains me a bit of that,” Nicholas said. “Anelka was a better player but the confidence he will get from Celtic having so much of the ball as well as the support.”
With Leigh Griffiths out, Weah has been able to take advantage of his absence in Rodgers’ lineup. Despite having to wait for his first start, Weah showed the Celtic faithful his ability as he sparked them to a league win over St. Johnstone as he recorded a game-winning assist and insurance goal.
Anelka had a lengthy 19-year career where he played for several European giants such as Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, and Real Madrid. He also went on to win 69 caps for Les Bleus in 12 years of international duty. Nicholas admits it will be hard for Celtic to pay for Weah’s services outright, but feels plenty of teams will be in the mix for his services down the road.
“I think he is more of an impact player, he wants to be involved in the play and get behind players. When Celtic have it, they sit rather deep, so that’s the type of game that he isn’t familiar with. He has been impressive but more impressive coming off the bench and is able to utilize his pace.
“He has some good assets there though, especially speed. He is being put in the shop window, but he is getting the experience that PSG are not giving to him. There will be a load of interested clubs that are looking at him.”
Celtic and Weah return to league play this weekend against Kilmarnock on Sunday.
I don’t like how Anelka went out in the national team. Lets compare Weah to Jermaine Defoe or Luis Fabiano
I feel like these “compliments” seem a bit back-handed.
Completely agree
AND he should start at center, in the March friendlies. No more useless Zardes. It should be him and Sargent or maybe Wood. We’ll see where GB is at when the Euros are available
Sargent starts at 9 as the technical striker and Weah and Pulisic wide with the combo of skill and speed.
Well Sargent hasn’t been playing lately, so although he should get a call up, i don’t think we can expect him to get starters minutes until he is playing regularly for Werder B.
In a child’s dream, yes, you’re correct. Imperative even.. Imperatively stupid. Neither Weah or Sargent are ready to start for a real, full US team. Some guy below you suggested he’s “mystified” and that he’s watched “much of” Sargents play. Sargent has scrambled for bread crumbs and had one tap in and one nice finish. He’s barely played. Weah on the other hand has played against some of the weakest top flight defenses in the UK. He’s got a farting run and finish in his skill set, but he provedn unequivocally that he’s not a starter in a US kit yet. Against inferior international opposition. Sargent too for that matter.
I have to admit, after watching much of Sargent’s playing time in Germany, I am mystified why he is not getting more time and starts. He certainly has not been a negative for the team.
I do think they’re easing him in a bit. The manager said if he got 5-6 appearances all year with the A team, he’d be doing well. He’s already to that point.
It is weird to see Bremen late in games send on 18-year old Sargent and 40-year old Pizarro to hunt for goals…lol. Not a bad guy for Sargent to be around every day either.