Hayes lauds Yohannes: “Global prospect” of the US shines against Italy

Emma Hayes Praises Lily Yohannes After USWNT Victory

The coach of the United States women’s national team, Emma Hayes, praised Lily Yohannes, calling her a world-class promise after the 2-0 victory over Italy at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Hayes highlighted the player’s qualities, but also pointed out that there is still room for improvement. Yohannes, the youngest player in the December USWNT call-up, added her 13th match and her eighth start against Italy.

“She is achieving this at 18 years old. What I have learned in all of this is that you can’t put a ceiling on anyone. But she is 18 years old. All the things she has and that are her great strengths; we want to continue developing them, but at the same time, we have to improve her skills in the things that are required for the highest level,” Hayes declared after the match.

Emma Hayes

Hayes added that Yohannes needs to keep growing and that his commitment to learning is key to his development.

“I still think there is room to grow. She is a willing student and will always watch videos and I think that is what will continue to accelerate her learning is her commitment. She needs to add to be a truly world-class player. Right now she is a world-class promise and there is a distinction there because that bar is really high if we want to become the best team in the world”.

Emma Hayes

Yohannes finished the match with an assist, setting up the team’s first goal for her teammate Catarina Macario in the 20th minute.

The OL Lyonnes player emphasized that she continues to observe and learn from midfielders with a passing range to emulate their skills. “I’ve always watched midfielders who like to have a range of passes and see passes and I think that’s something I’m just trying to keep developing my innovation and yes, when I have such talented forwards in front of me, I think it just makes my job easier,” Yohannes said. The midfielder, who received her first call-up to the USWNT during the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, highlighted the importance of building relationships on and off the field to create goal-scoring opportunities. “Yes, I think Cat (Macario) is such a special player and I know that if the ball reaches her in front of the goal ten out of ten times, it will probably be a goal. We are building a partnership and I think that’s great, we have a great friendship off the court and being on the court assisting means a lot to me,” Yohannes added. The USWNT will now prepare for the January training camp, which will take place from January 17 to January 24, during which the team will face Paraguay and a second opponent to be announced later.