U.S. Youth International Haji Wright Is Ready To Learn From Raúl And Marcos Senna

By Matthew Levine
Photo Credit: U.S. Soccer

The decision to join the New York Cosmos may have proved to be a simple one for Haji Wright, who is one of the most promising talents in the U.S. Soccer youth system.

“An opportunity was presented to me to play alongside Raúl and Marcos Senna and for the great coaching staff that they have, so I couldn’t turn it down,” he told NASL.com.

It’s a chance to, as Wright put it, “become a much better player under their wings.”

Wright is an accomplished goalscorer at the youth international level, scoring 18 goals in 22 matches for the U.S. Under-17s in 2014, but can take the next step under the tutelage of Raúl. He’ll be working with someone who has amassed over 300 goals at Real Madrid and is the leading all-time goalscorer for the storied club.

The teenager, who is looking to round out his abilities in all facets of the game, can certainly learn from Senna. The former Spanish National Team player and Villarreal stalwart is known for spraying the ball around the pitch, and Wright could benefit from working on set-pieces with the midfielder as well.

The chance with the Cosmos, however, offers the chance to learn from all the players on the NASL club’s roster and the coaching staff led by Giovanni Savarese.

“Anything I can learn about from anybody on the team would be helpful,” he said.

Adding about Savarese, ”He’s a great coach. He believes in me, so that’s always helpful when the coach believes in the player.”

Before joining the Cosmos, Wright was in the academy of one of Raúl’s former clubs, FC Schalke 04.

“It was a great opportunity for me to play at Schalke – to learn and develop there,” he said while adding, “I’m focusing on the New York Cosmos.”

Now, he’ll get his first chance to play at the professional level with the NASL side. Savarese has shown, in the past, that he is willing to take a chance on younger players, if they warrant the minutes. There is certainly every opportunity for Wright to push the more senior players, particularly if he can replicate the scoring touch he has shown with the U.S., and he will only be better for the competition he will receive every day in training.  

And if the precocious talent develops further in New York, he could potentially land a roster spot for some of the important U.S. Youth National Team games in the summer – FIFA Under-20 World Cup, and perhaps, Olympic Qualifying.

However, the focus is certainly on one short-term goal with the Cosmos.

“Hopefully score a couple of goals and help this team win some trophies,” Wright said.