It must be a proud feeling for USWNT fans to say their future is secure. When it comes to retaining talent, the American ladies boast more than just a variety of dynamic forwards. Their backline ranks are also well-insured with players like Gisele Thompson. However, after watching the teenage sensation’s debut, Emma Hayes believes even more ‘value‘ can be added to her defensive department.

The opening SheBelieves Cup game vs Colombia saw the Angel City right-back come off the bench for Jenna Nighswonger in the mere last quarter of the game. This led the 19-year-old to earn her first start in the recent 2-1 win over Australia. She completed 77 minutes on the field before being substituted. In fact, it was a debut gone right for Hayes, who praised Gisele for doing something that many wingbacks may often struggle with.

“When you’re coming up against one of the best wide players in the world—Caitlin Foord—that is no easy feat,” Emma admitted in the post-match presser. Well, for those clueless about why it was a difficult job, the Matildas veteran cleverly tends to position herself on the shoulder of the last defender. She sets herself up perfectly for diagonal balls into dangerous areas.

But Hayes was more than happy with the younger Thompson fulfilling her duty. “I thought Gisele showed tenacity and good aggression in her individual jewels,” added the former WSL boss before giving credit to her assistant head coach Denise Reddy for having an impact as well. That’s because Denise is the brains behind Gisele’s decision-making, helping her determine when to get tight on the first ball and when to focus on winning the second ball.

Yet, Hayes wasn’t fully impressed with Thompson, highlighting a key area that the youngster needs to figure out. “We can add some value in the defensive department for her but I think she showed some really good intent going forward. Showed some good link-up with Alyssa [Thompson],” added the 48-year-old tactician, seemingly impressed with the Thompson sister’s on-pitch connection.

It almost felt as if they naturally kept giving the ball to each other. That was enough for either Alyssa or Gisele to remain locked in their position, albeit on the same side. “It’s a really really good debut considering she’s playing [against] probably one of the best wingers in the world in current form [Foord]. Really, really good start for her,” concluded Hayes.

In a nutshell, Gisele surely had quite an impactful game which was enough to impress the English boss. Well, she had to seize the opportunity, given how historic the moment was for both the right-back and her sister.

Gisele and Alyssa Thompson on ‘surreal’ chance by Emma Hayes

Sunday night was more than just a historic occasion for both Gisele and Alyssa Thompson. Hayes’ decision to include both siblings in the starting XI against the Matildas made them the second pair of sisters to start a U.S. Women’s National Team game together. They also became the third pair to be named to the same squad.

The first occurrence dates back to the late 1990s when twins Lorrie and Ronnie Fair received call-ups together. More recently, Samantha and Kristie Mewis were both part of the U.S. team at the 2021 Olympics. But it’s not like Gisele and Alyssa are playing together in the same team for the first time.

The Thompson duo also share a locker room at Angel City. But doing so for their nation is more than just a dream come true. “We’ve always dreamed about doing this together, and being able to do it here is kind of surreal,” Alyssa commented in the mixed zone after the game, as compiled by Pro Soccer Wire.

As for the younger sister, having her older sibling on the pitch boosted her confidence. While it was difficult to even imagine, they couldn’t have felt more comfortable or natural together. “Having her out there just made me feel like, ‘I got this,’ so I knew she had my back and I had hers. So it was really nice,” said Gisele.

That explains how she was able to easily handle the rival Matildas forward, whom Emma Hayes highly rates. Then again, whatever helps her break into the USWNT!