Chelsea supervisor Paul Green believes Lauren James’ flying begin to the 2022/23 marketing campaign is a ‘testomony’ to the way through which she was rigorously nurtured throughout her debut season with the membership.
James joined Chelsea from Manchester United in the summertime of 2021, however was restricted to simply six WSL appearances throughout her first season in west London as she struggled with accidents and health. Emma Hayes ceaselessly spoke in regards to the significance of managing the younger ahead rigorously and never dashing her again.
The 21-year-old has already made six appearances within the WSL this time period – 4 of them begins – and netted two very good solo objectives throughout Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
“I think Lauren from pre-season really benefitted from that journey last season and getting things right off the pitch and really building her slowly and progressively,” mentioned Green.
“I think we’ve all seen that from the start she’s made, right from pre-season where she was outstanding in the game against Lyon where she scored a goal, and she’s continued that into pre-season. She obviously broke into the senior England squad, made a few appearances and we’re really pleased for her.”
He added: “It is a full testament to the whole staff that have helped, and Lauren maybe getting more professional in some of her habits and everything that goes for any young player and learning off the likes of Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, Maren Mjelde, all of our senior players in that one year where she wasn’t on the pitch a lot but I think she learnt a hell of a lot off the pitch.
“I feel that is actually now benefitting her going into this season and I feel we are able to already see the affect of that within the brief time-frame between pre-season and now.”
James produced a smart touch to burst clear of Rachel Corsie followed by an arrowed finish into the bottom corner for her first, before she nipped past Maz Pacheco and rifled the ball into the roof of the net for her second.
The goals were the forwards first of the season, capping her flying start to the campaign.
“I’d definitely say I’m discovering my toes once more after the accidents, mentioned James. “Starting to find rhythm and in the flow of things, and I’m just enjoying my football and playing with a smile.”