Lauren James was the name on everyone’s lips after her solo goal lit up Chelsea win 3-2 over Tottenham – won the Player of the Match award as her side topped the Women’s Super League.
Yet after the match, his manager Emma Hayes made sure James didn’t get carried away.
“She’s fantastic but she has to learn other things like the last parts of the game – getting back into position,” the Blues boss told BBC Two.
“It’s up to me to take care of her. On the ball she’s exceptional but we have to be patient. She has to keep developing both sides [of her game].”
James’ first goal was a spectacular solo effort. She used her talent to separate the inside defence, sliding in from the right flank before coolly flicking the ball past keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela with a finish described as “perfect” by former Spurs captain Jenna Schillaci.
“Lauren James’ goal was phenomenal,” Schillaci said. “When James gets the ball at her feet, she’s able to slide right past the players.
“She’s so hard to play against. I’ve played against her many times – you can’t get near her. It doesn’t look like she runs so fast, but that’s the strength and the way she moves her body.
“She has phenomenal talent.”
James joined Chelsea last season in a much-anticipated move from Manchester United, but arrived with injury problems that plagued her campaign.
She has only made six league appearances, accumulating just 116 minutes.
But this season has been a marked improvement for the 21-year-old and she has already featured in 10 WSL games, scoring four goals.
She proved a constant threat for Spurs on Sunday, with her four touches in their box the most of any player.
“Lauren James is a young player and she’s developing. When she’s on the ball she gets us out of our seats and tackles the players,” said former England midfielder Fara Williams.
“As a manager you want her to do both sides of the game and she will learn that and develop that the more she plays in this Chelsea team. But the games I’ve seen recently, the consistency that she’s done proof was brilliant.”
James is a Chelsea academy product but had spells with Arsenal and United before returning in 2021.
She made her first senior appearance for England against Austria in September’s World Cup qualifiers and has now played five times for her country after being rewarded for her resurgence at club level.
“I’m happy,” James told BBC Sport after the win over Spurs. “You always play your best football when you’re happy. Coming back to the start was hard to find momentum – but with the team around me, it allowed me to grow.
“I love it. Thanks to Emma and the team. They allowed me to be myself and grow gradually, they didn’t force anything. They allowed me to be at my best. “
But with Hayes insisting James can do more to improve his game, does the England player need some tough love?
“It works sometimes,” Williams says. “Some players like having an arm around them and being told they are the best player in the world. Other players have to be kept on their toes to give a bit more. Maybe Lauren is that player.
“Emma will know better than anyone what Lauren James needs to bring out the best in her.”
Schillaci agrees Hayes is the right person to get the most out of the striker.
“Emma Hayes is more like the mom figure, she’s never happy and always wants more,” she said.
“No doubt that will come; she’s brought out the best in herself so far.”
