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Emma Hayes admits she’s seen a player do things like James
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes praised Lauren James after her standout performance against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, declaring that she has never seen a player capable of doing the things the 22-year-old can.
James, who was recently named in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, showcased her quality by scoring two goals in the first half against her former club and sealing a 3-1 victory. Her versatility was evident, as she played a slightly deeper role and later led the line herself when American striker Sam Kerr was substituted early in the second half.
Hayes’ admiration for James reflects the player’s impact on the pitch and highlights her unique abilities that make her stand out in the world of women’s football.
“I was impressed with her whole performance,” Hayes said of James.
“She carried out the game plan and her role in that to perfection. It changed in the second half with Mia coming out and I think she did that equally as well. She’s shown her qualities as a ‘nine’ or a ‘ten’ and her finishing was second to none. The quality of that, the natural finisher that she is.”
Asked if James, long seen as one of English football’s brightest talents but now firmly coming into her own, had learned a thing or two from Sam Kerr about being a striker, Hayes replied: “I’m sure she has, but I’ve never seen a player like Lauren do the things she does individually.
“If you get tight to her, she’ll roll you, if you drop off her…next time she makes a move you think you’ve got her, she’s so explosive. She’s got a left and a right foot. That’s the thing. Often, you play against players and you know they’ve got strong sides. Lauren can do it on both feet.”
Hayes celebrated her first goal by gesturing to travelling United fans who had been giving her stick as one of their former heroes.
“I think she enjoyed that,” Hayes said. “I don’t mind these things in the women’s game. They want to give her stick, she scores and goes over to that section of the crowd. If you’re going to give someone stick, you’re going to get it in return, right?
“She was just quality. That was Lauren at her best today and she took responsibility in that area of the pitch in the way that the team needed. But I preface that but there were a lot of unbelievable performances, a real team effort, that allowed LJ to thrive.”