It’s always exciting to see young teenagers kick off their professional soccer journeys early. Start ’em young, they say, as it’s often beneficial for the future, right? Well, not necessarily. We hate to break it to you, but there’s a major drawback. Precisely, the sudden name and fame can sometimes be overwhelming for them. Emma Hayes shares this belief and recently urged people not to ‘get carried away’ with the sensational rise of USWNT youngster Lily Yohannes.

The midfielder played until the final whistle in yesterday’s SheBelieves Cup win over Colombia. She had quite an impactful performance, bossing the center half of the pitch. The teenager even helped in the build-up for the opening goal with a stunning long pass to Yazmeen Ryan in the box, who then set up Catarina Macario for the finish.

Such a performance from Lily was hardly surprising to Hayes, who acknowledged how a “well-established, extremely structured, 433-environment, playing the Ajax way” has contributed to the 17-year-old’s development. “I think her qualities on the ball are unquestioned but I’m really pleased with the progress she’s making defensively,” said Hayes in the post-match presser, courtsey of JER-Sports Journalist.

The English tactician also heaped praise on Yohannes for also putting her physicality to the test against Colombia. Yet, However, Hayes believes it’s far too early to place high expectations on the Springfield, Virginia, native. “But listen, I think it’s really early on and I don’t think we should get carried away with it. She’s someone who deserves to develop without putting too much focus and attention on it,” added Hayes.

In fact, she was quick to downplay Yohannes’ individual efforts, insisting that it was the teamwork of those around her that allowed the Ajax midfielder to shine. “Sam Coffey did a lot of the work behind her, to be able to let her perform, just as Lindsay did the work in front of us. So it was a team performance tonight that has put us in a strong position,” concluded Emma.

Clearly, the former Chelsea boss wants to protect the youngster from getting too hyped up with all the praise. That’s because it often creates unnecessary pressure on the rising ones, putting them in a difficult place. And guess what? Hayes has every right to do so—and even Yohannes would agree. After all, the teenager is quite wary of the USWNT boss’ influence.

Emma Hayes is the best teacher that Lily Yohannes could get – to shine at USWNT

After playing for the USA at the U15 and U16 levels in 2022, Lily joined the Netherlands’ youth setup for training in December 2023. However, things took a turn in March 2024 when she received her first senior USWNT call-up under Hayes. That was a gesture that had already made Yohannes feel welcomed—a sentiment she acknowledges.

In an earlier interview, when asked if Hayes had influenced her, the midfielder responded, “Yeah, definitely.” In fact, Yohannes also acknowledged the welcoming nature of all the players and coaching staff in both camps. “To come into camp and be welcomed by everybody was very nice,” added the Ajax sensation.

Although Lily didn’t play in her first appearances for the Stars and Stripes, she eventually made her debut in June 2024. The teenager marked the occasion by scoring in a friendly against South Korea. Months later, uncertainty still lingered over her international allegiance. Yet, she ultimately confirmed her desire to represent the U.S., subtly turning down the Netherlands.

The rest was enough to make her feel like a true part of the national team. And now, just look at how Lily Yohannes’ presence is benefiting the USWNT!