Emma Hayes on Lily Yohannes
Emma Hayes, the head coach of the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT), expressed her admiration for 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes during a press conference on Friday. Hayes highlighted Yohannes’ potential within the program but urged fans to exercise patience given the young athlete’s limited experience on the international stage.
“Her maturity and ability to be coached are remarkable, and I truly believe she will play a vital role for us moving forward,”
“However, it’s crucial that we remain patient as she continues to develop at such a tender age with relatively little international exposure.”
Yohannes Rejoins USWNT
This week, Yohannes has rejoined the USWNT as they prepare for upcoming matches against China and Jamaica. The match against China is particularly notable, as it will take place at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota—where Yohannes made her first appearance and scored her inaugural goal nearly a year ago.
“It’s surreal to return to this place. That moment was incredibly special for me, so being back feels like a full-circle experience,”
Yohannes expressed in a U.S. Soccer video.
Career Development
After declaring her commitment to represent the USWNT last fall, Yohannes has earned six caps for the national team. Although she was courted by the Netherlands, where she and her family have lived since she was 10, she opted to play for her country of birth. Currently, she plays for the prestigious Dutch team Ajax Amsterdam, a club she joined professionally at just 15. In 2023, she made history by becoming the youngest player to start a UEFA Women’s Champions League match during a formidable win against Paris Saint-Germain.
Transfer Interest and Future Potential
Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that Chelsea, the English champions and Hayes’ former club, are keen to secure Yohannes’ services through a transfer this summer. Hayes emphasized the need for caution, stating:
“Again, I emphasize that she is only 17 years old, and despite her few years as a professional, the next couple of years will be crucial for her growth.”
The coach further highlighted Yohannes’ development trajectory with Ajax, commenting that the experiences gained there have enhanced her soccer intelligence.
“She has physically matured over the past year and gained valuable tactical skills, especially in offensive possession scenarios where her club often faces organized defenses,”
Past Performance
Yohannes narrowly missed selection for the USWNT’s Olympic roster last year, having been undecided at that time about choosing to play for the U.S. or the Netherlands. The U.S. ultimately claimed its fifth Olympic gold medal, a new record, while the Netherlands did not qualify for the Games.
In recent outings for the USWNT, Yohannes showcased her skills in a 2-0 victory over Brazil in April, where her contributions included earning a critical penalty kick shortly after coming off the bench. She also started in a subsequent match against Brazil, which ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat. Previously, she played as a box-to-box midfielder in a 2-1 loss to Japan, assisting on the sole U.S. goal.
Coaching Perspective
In the SheBelieves Cup, she contributed with a secondary assist in a 2-0 victory over Colombia. While excited about these contributions, Hayes once again cautioned against placing too much pressure on the young talent.
“Playing against top-tier teams like Brazil and Japan provides invaluable experience, but as I’ve mentioned repeatedly, she is still in a crucial development phase. Expectations must be measured, as we will witness both impressive moments and challenges from such a young player. This is a natural part of her journey.”
Conclusion
Overall, the promising future of Lily Yohannes excites the USWNT, while the management remains committed to nurturing her talent with careful consideration for her age and experience.
