Lauren James and the benefits of patience

Patience is a difficult word in football. The game isn’t known for giving players time or even offering much humility. It’s a cutthroat and brutal industry that chews people up and spits them out. But every player needs time, and even those with undeniable talent need some guidance.

When Lauren James arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2021, there was an expectation that she would instantly become a star-studded addition to Emma Hayes’ team. She arrived at the west London club with a big reputation, a significant price tag (thought to be around £200,000 including bonuses), and the label of her former manager Casey Stoney as having the potential to be one of the best in the world.

It felt like a fairytale. James was reuniting with her childhood club and joining up with her brother Reece in a unique moment for the men’s and women’s game. She was all over the club’s marketing for the new season and her impressive highlights reel — including a lovely goal she scored against Chelsea in the 2020-21 season — was being shared across social media.

But James arrived at Chelsea with injury problems that had impacted her throughout her United career. The forward had lots of explosive, exciting and memorable performances that were then coupled with extended periods on the sidelines with various injuries and niggles. She made 40 league appearances for United across a three-year spell, scoring 22 goals.

Her call up to the senior England squad in 2020 was brief and followed by on and off injury issues that prevented her from earning a full senior cap.

The move to Chelsea provided an opportunity for a fresh start. But as the 2021-22 season was set to get underway, it became clear that the youngster wasn’t going to feature. Hayes said James needed time and Chelsea needed to make sure they “build Lauren James to last”.