Chelsea Women: 3 takeaways from massive UWCL win over Lyon

Chelsea Women’s Lauren James makes the Lyon defense look silly

How many times can we say this before we become a broken record? This season is the emergence of Lauren James as one of the world’s best footballers. Her on the pitch v her off of it makes a world of a difference for this CFC side. The way she takes on defenders with such composure and grace is unmatched by anyone in world football.

On the biggest stage, James completed 100 percent of her long passes while completing four of her six take-ons. James made the backline of Lyon look foolish at times. Never does she feel rushed with the ball at her feet. At the top of women’s European football, the pace of the game is off the charts. The Blues right winger continuously finds a way to play the game at the pace she wants it to be played at.

Just minutes after Reiten scored the opening goal, James found herself on the right flank in position to attack right at Perle Morroni and Lyon’s backline. After gliding past the Lyon left-back, James fired in a rocket with her right foot that stuck the post, sending warning signs to Sonia Bompastor’s side of what she is capable of.

She near had herself an assist too in the second half after putting the ball on a plate to Sam Kerr before her shot went just wide. No matter the opponent, no matter the turnaround to the next game, James always produces. It may not always show up in the goals or assists department, but her influence on any game is evident from start to finish.