Chelsea manager Emma Hayes hails 'genius footballer' Lauren James after hat-trick against Manchester United
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Updated 22/01/2024 at 14:45 GMT
When Sam Kerr suffered a season-ending injury there were questions about how Chelsea were going to be able to cope without their leading striker. So far the Blues are doing well and that is down in large part to Lauren James, who has scored nine goals in her last five games in a stellar show of form. Speaking after the team’s latest win Emma Hayes was full of praise for her star.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Lauren James of Chelsea celebrates their third goal during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2024 in London, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has heaped praise on star forward Lauren James after the England international’s hat-trick against former club Manchester United.
James was the star of the show as Chelsea beat United 3-1 in the WSL to stay three points clear at the top of the table.
Speaking after the game, outgoing Blues boss Hayes described James as a "genius footballer".
"I've never seen a player like Lauren do the things she does individually," Hayes told Sky Sports.
"If you get tight to her, she'll roll you. If you drop off of 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. Often players have got strong sides, but I think she can do it on both feet.
"I was impressed with her whole performance…I thought she carried out the game plan and her role in that to perfection.
"It changed in the second half with Mia (Fishel) coming out and I think she did that equally as well. She's shown her qualities as a No. 9 or No. 10 and her finishing was second to none - the quality of that is a natural finisher."
Hayes added to BBC Sport: "Human beings are not simple. There are a lot of complexities involved with Lauren, but she is a genius footballer. I am happy for her.
"She wanted to demonstrate to the home fans that she could step forward, that she can do it as a 10, and a nine in the second half. Her hold-up play is unbelievable."
The question of playing up front has been a topical one for Chelsea following the serious injury suffered by Australian Sam Kerr.
Hayes added that it is a team effort in terms of replacing Kerr.
"Everyone has to take turns in that [replacing Kerr's goals]. Lauren has done that today, Mia (Fishel) came on last week.
“There are a lot of young players out there that have to shoulder a lot of responsibility as the champions and they handled it superbly."
You can watch Chelsea’s next game, their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Wednesday, January 24.
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