Emma Hayes Praises USWNT Starlet Yohannes as Future Bright

St. Paul, Minnesota – U.S. Women's National Team coach Emma Hayes spoke highly of 17-year-old midfielder Alyssa Yohannes on Friday, emphasizing her potential and the need for patience in her development.

“She’s got unbelievable maturity and coachability, and someone who I know is going to become an important part of our program,” Hayes told reporters. “But I’m invested in that development, and we have to be patient with that considering her tender age and her lack of international and high-level experience.”

Yohannes rejoined the USWNT for upcoming matches, with the first game against China scheduled for Saturday at Allianz Field, the venue of her first cap and first goal nearly a year ago. “It’s crazy to be back here,” Yohannes shared in a video from U.S. Soccer. “That was such a special moment for me, so to be back here is kind of full circle.”

Yohannes has six caps for the USWNT after officially deciding to represent the team last fall. Based in Virginia since she was 10, Yohannes was approached by the Netherlands to play for their national team but chose her native U.S.

Currently, she plays for the Dutch club Ajax and made history in 2023 as the youngest player to start a UEFA Women's Champions League match. “As I keep saying to everyone, she’s 17,” said Hayes. “I think the next two years of development will be important for her.”

Hayes praised Yohannes’ growth, noting her recent experiences at Ajax have advanced her tactical skills. “She’s physically developed in the last 12 months. Tactically in possession… I think she’s developed that side of her play,” Hayes explained.

Yohannes narrowly missed the USWNT’s Olympic roster last year, ultimately leading to the team’s fifth gold medal, a world record. She recently contributed to a 2-0 victory against Japan and started in a 2-1 loss to Brazil.

Coach Hayes advised caution on expectations for the talented midfielder, saying, “I think for us, playing against opponents like Brazil and Japan will serve her well in the future… But as I always keep saying, she’s got a lot of development to do, and I think it will be up and down.”