Sjoeke Nusken: Chelsea boss Emma Hayes lauds versatile star after UEFA Champions League double against Ajax

Manager Emma Hayes heaped praise upon star player Sjoeke Nusken after Chelsea's 3-0 win against Ajax in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

The Germany international bagged a brace, netting either side of half-time after Lauren James had given the visitors an early lead in Amsterdam.

It means they hold a commanding advantage ahead of the reverse fixture, which takes place at Stamford Bridge on March 27.

And Hayes was thrilled with her side's performance.

"I think we showed our experience for sure,” she said. "Calm, composed, even when it’s not perfect we keep our heads, good discipline. I think that was the big difference tonight.”

The manager was particularly impressed with Nusken though, who continues to enhance her profile.

The 23-year-old usually operates as a midfielder, but recently filled in at centre-back in a Women's Super League game, and was selected to play upfront in this fixture.

She repaid the faith shown in her by taking her tally for the last five days to four goals, having also scored two against Arsenal on Friday.

Hayes continued: "The third goal epitomised her desire, her positioning, her quality.

"She's someone who, no matter where she plays, I think she'll be equally good. I might give her a game in goal next week just to test her out!"

SK Brann or Barcelona await the winner of this tie in the semi-finals, with the first leg of that tie taking place tomorrow.

Chelsea are attempting to win the competition for the first time.

Success would be the perfect send off for manager Emma Hayes, who will leave the club at the end of the season to take charge of the United States' women's team.

They were beaten in the semi-finals by Barcelona last year, having been defeated by the same opponent in the 2020/21 final.

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