Hayes Sets No Ceiling for Yohannes: USWNT Promise Shines vs Italy

Emma Hayes Highlights Lily Yohannes’ Potential After US Victory

The United States women’s national team coach, Emma Hayes, praised Lily Yohannes, calling her a world-class prospect after the 2-0 victory over Italy on Monday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Hayes highlighted the player’s qualities, although she also pointed out areas for improvement. Yohannes, the youngest player in the December USWNT call-up, added her thirteenth appearance and her eighth start against Italy.

She is doing this at 18 years old. I think what I’ve learned from all of this is that you can’t put a ceiling on anyone. So we won’t. But she’s 18 years old. All the things that she has that are her greatest strengths; we want to keep developing them, but at the same time, we have to improve her skills in the things that are required for the highest level.

Emma Hayes

Hayes added that Yohannes still has room for growth and that his commitment and willingness to learn, constantly watching replays, will accelerate his development.

She needs to add to be a truly world-class player. Right now she is a world-class promise, and there is a distinction 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, scored by her teammate Catarina Macario in the 20th minute. The OL Lyonnes player emphasized that she continues to observe and learn from midfielders with a wide passing range to emulate their skill.

Lily Yohannes made her international debut with the USWNT last year, scoring a goal against France at the age of 16. Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images Yohannes commented that he has always admired midfielders with a wide range of passing, seeking to develop his own innovation. He also highlighted that playing with talented forwards makes his job easier. 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 generate scoring opportunities. Yohannes added that the association with Macario is special and that assisting her in the field means a lot to her. The USWNT is now preparing 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.