Weah has been inconsistent under Mauricio Pochettino, but the move to Marseille meant to create opportunities

Tim Weah did everything right. He started his run from deep, drew an extra man away from the ball. As Mason Greenwood surged through the middle, Weah peeled off to the right – creating the narrowest of passing lanes for his teammate. Greenwood obliged.

The pass was weighted nicely, the finish was even better – Weah smashing at Thibaut Courtois with such ferocity that the Belgian goalkeeper couldn’t react. 

Weah’s only fault, in fact, was a brief slip on the Santiago Bernabeu turf as he careened off in celebration. But even that had a certain charm to it. The goal seemed significant – and it was significant. It gave Marseille an unlikely 1-0 lead against European giants Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday (a result that would harshly be overturned due to a dubious refereeing decision).

But it also made Weah the first American to score at the Bernabeu – and just might have ignited a season that had sputtered to start. The U.S. international’s story has been interesting of late. Weah was rather frozen out, even misused at Juventus. He followed that by impressing only in brief moments for the USMNT.

And now, with one goal and a starring performance to boot, Weah has shown a glimpse of what could yet happen, an opportunity for a talent once full of promise to realize his potential.Â