Left in 2019, now shining in Qatar: Lennon had an enormous Celtic howler on 22 y/o “hero” – opinion
Whereas Celtic are presently benefitting from the astute switch dealings orchestrated by supervisor Ange Postecoglou, the Parkhead outfit haven’t at all times made the correct choices in relation to incomings and outgoings in recent times, having doubtlessly seen a handful of key figures slip from their grasp.
One notable error that the Outdated Agency outfit could be regretting is their determination to not pursue a everlasting deal for United States worldwide, Timothy Weah, with the previous Hoops loanee having already made his mark at this 12 months’s World Cup.
The American starlet – who’s the son of former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah – had been snapped up by the Glasgow facet on a six-month mortgage deal from Paris Saint-Germain again in January 2019, with then-boss Brendan Rodgers having been eager so as to add the teenager to his ahead choices.
Whereas his time in Scottish soccer was temporary, the thrilling expertise actually made a “significant impact” in that point – within the phrases of pundit Chris Sutton – having scored 4 objectives and laid on one help in his 17 appearances for the membership, solely 4 of which got here from the beginning.
The New York-born starlet may effectively have made a larger contribution had it not been for the change within the dugout, with Rodgers’ departure only a month into his time at Paradise proving one thing of a setback, as Weah went on to play a restricted position below his successor, Lennon.
The striker’s time at his short-term dwelling was finally lower quick as he was known as as much as USA’s squad for the U20 World Cup earlier than the Scottish home season was at an finish, with the participant selecting to symbolize his nation quite than stay on the fringes with the Bhoys.
That call could effectively have performed a think about Lennon and co opting towards attempting to safe a everlasting transfer or one other mortgage swoop, regardless of the participant admitting he could be open to a return to Glasgow, because the 6-foot menace went on to affix Ligue 1 facet Lille later that 12 months for a reported charge of round €10m (£8.7m).
That incapacity to each adequately utilise Weah’s skills throughout his mortgage stint and in addition to not try to pursue a everlasting seize has seemingly backfired so far as these at Celtic Park are involved, with the 22-year-old having since gone on to thrive in his present environment.
Whereas accidents have considerably inhibited his affect for the French outfit of late, the £11.7k-per-week machine nonetheless boasts a haul of eight objectives and eight assists in 81 appearances for the membership, together with eight objective involvements from his attacking berth final time period.
It’s on the worldwide stage the place the previous PSG ace has actually stolen the headlines, nonetheless, having netted for his nation of their opening sport in Qatar towards Wales on Monday night, producing a composed, poked end after latching onto Christian Pulisic’s threaded move.
The vast man’s all-round efficiency additionally caught the attention as he accomplished two of his three crosses and two of his three lengthy balls, whereas additionally showcasing his composure in possession after recording an 88% move accuracy fee from his 34 touches.
That outing – which additionally noticed the fleet-footed machine file one key move – unsurprisingly led to a powerful 7.3 match score, as per SofaScore, with Weah having been the “hero” for his nation, within the phrases of Javier Panzar.
The dynamic asset may effectively go on to impress even additional because the match progresses, leaving Celtic to rue the earlier dealing with of their former loanee.