While many European clubs push towards the end of their respective league campaigns, some are beginning preseason camps towards a new season.
Ligue 1 side Lille is one of the clubs kicking off preseason camp after seeing last season end abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After seeing injuries hamper most of his debut season with the club, U.S. Men’s National Team forward Timothy Weah is back and fighting for full fitness in order to play a vital role for the club.
Weah made the switch from PSG in the Summer of 2019 for $11 million, but spent most of the season on the sidelines. With the new season right around the corner, Weah looks to be making progress in camp with his teammates.
“Timothy is progressing, he will start to be integrated into certain sessions,” Lille manager Christophe Galtier said Friday. “For Tim, it [playing in friendlies] is also possible. Everything is evolving positively.”
The 21-year-old striker made only three appearances in 2019-20 before a hamstring injury in February ultimately ended his season. It wasn’t long ago, Weah was impressing on-loan with Scottish Premiership club Celtic, scoring four goals in 17 combined appearances when still under contract at PSG.
Now the young forward is seeking to get himself back into the first-team fold at Lille and return to the USMNT, where he hasn’t played since Nov. 2018. Lille finished fourth in the Ligue 1 standings last season, qualifying for the 2020-21′ UEFA Europa League.
Should Weah be fit and injury-free, he could force his way back into the Lille attacking front for a push at four different trophies. Victor Osimhen leads the attack after totaling 18 goals in all competitions, but the departure of veteran Loic Remy means Weah could jump into the second striker role in Galtier’s squad.
For now, Weah will continue to get back to full fitness, but hopefully is able to make a true impact in his second season with Lille.
It remains to be seen whether Weah will ever reach the potential he displayed as a youth player.
Count me among those who believe in Weah’s potential. In particular, I believe he has a special talent for combination play– in his limited appearances for the USMNT he has shown a remarkable awareness for his fellow attackers that belies his age. As Lost in Space mentions, he seems to have palapable chemistry with the others in his group with the USMNT
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Nonetheless, we must remember that Weah’s actual experience as a senior club professional is barely higher than Gio Reyna’s. About 20 total appearances, almost all as a substitute, and many in cup or ortherwise less meaningful games. He has a lot to learn. Health is obviously the most important thing. Until he logs some more serious playing time, I don’t see him as someone you can plug in for a big-time WCQ (which may very well be the only games we play anytime soon…. may not be much in the way of friendlies/prep)
I only counted league and Europa L minutes no cups or cup winners matches
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19/20 3 app 84 mins
18/19 16 app 506 mins
17/18 3 app 122 mins
Total 22 app 712 mins
Gio. 17 app 384 mins (just counting League and CL)
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For comparison before his first cap Dest had 6 first team appearances and 365 mins (including CLQs against Greek and Cypriot teams)
I’m hoping that the shutdown of League 1 has given Weah an opportunity to fully recover from his hamstring injury. With a strong return/showing he should be able to get back into the picture for the USMNT. He may not crack the US Starting XI right away but considering his versatility (Striker & Winger) he’d be a welcome addition to the attacking options:
Attackers: Pulisic, Reyna, Weah, Boyd, Saucedo, Uli, Jozy, Sargent, Morris, Zardes, Ferreira
Midfield: Adams, McKennie, Holmes, Green, Hyndman, Yueill, Moralez, Cappis
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In the year before Gregg’s appointment Weah had shown some good initial Chemistry with Pulisic, Adams, McKennie, & Sargent.
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If Gregg can’t put together a viable front 6 out of this group of players he shouldn’t be our coach.
If only it was so easy in our last competitive matches Weah, Pulisic, Jozy, Adams were all were injured.
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Not sure the excitement over Cappis, plays for a team headed to Danish 2nd tier, the Superliga isn’t a top league either. Saucedo is another, produced less than Baird, Mueller, Arriola, or Lewis in the same league. 1g and 2a in 13 games in Liga Mx isn’t exactly on fire either.
For me Cappis is a work in progress who’s more of a figure for after 2022. I see him being sold to a better league and then deployed as a 6. I’m a little concerned for the future as to who’s going to back-up Adams at the CDM roll. While I like Yueill’s passing I’m not sold on him in physical challenges, and worried about his speed. Cappis & Durkin are the 2 I see possibly challenging him for the back-up 6 roll post 2022.
Saucedo is another one for depth who will likely never be a full “A-Team” player. I prefer his abilities to combine with others above Baird & Lewis who haven’t really impressed me in their National Team games…and Arriola who’s older, was frustrating to watch skyrocket his shot & crosses, and is currently sidelined with an injury. Mueiller is an option I wouldn’t mind trying but like Saucedo will likely be “B-Team” players when the rest are healthy.
We’ll see where Cappis ends up. My guess is he ends up with another Danish club. Denmark doesn’t seem to be very fertile ground for American guys moving to bigger leagues.
Don’t forget Aaronson, the kid looks impressive.