The eternal debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is always a hot topic for journalists when interviewing any soccer athlete. Chelsea Women’s star, Lauren James, offered a different perspective while answering this age-old question.
James spoke to Sky Sports before his clash with Tottenham in the Women’s Super League. Former Chelsea player, Karen Carney, asked James who she preferred out of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. James revealed the answer as Lionel Messi.
Lauren James was asked “Messi or Ronaldo?”
Lauren – “Messi”
She was then asked “Messi or Hazard?”
Lauren – “Hazard”
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 1, 2023
However, Carney further asked his preference over Lionel Messi or Eden Hazard. James quickly responded, “Hazard.” She elaborated, “Hazard in his prime,” pointing out that Hazard was a better player for her at his prime.
The video of the interview went viral on social media. Fans on social media questioned the rationale of the younger sister of Renee James. Comments like “How can you choose Hazard over Messi? Are you clowning or what,” “Absolute joke,” “Messi is clear like HD,” and “Nobody cares about her opinion” echoed their sentiment about James’s choice.
Lauren James was asked “Messi or Ronaldo?”
Lauren – “Messi”
She was then asked “Messi or Hazard?”
Lauren – “Hazard”
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) October 1, 2023
Eden Hazard spent seven years at Chelsea before moving to Real Madrid in 2019. The Belgian winger played 352 games and scored 110 Goals and 92 assists. He was influential in winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the FA Cup.
Hazard has been a fan favorite for many Chelsea fans due to his dribbling skills and magical moments. Clearly, Lauren James is among those admirers, as evident from her latest interview.
Lauren James eyeing third successive Women’s Super League title with Chelsea
The 22-year-old was back in action for Chelsea Women’s team as she scored the second goal in a 2-1 win in their Women’s Super League opener against Tottenham. James is one of the key players of this Chelsea side under Emma Hayes.
James was part of the Chelsea Academy before leaving to sign her first professional contract with Manchester United in 2018. She scored 14 goals in her debut campaign to help the United side win promotion to the first division of Women’s football. She joined the Blues back in 2021 from Manchester United.
CHELSEA WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL STATS VS. SPURS
🔹Guro Reiten made 8 key passes vs. Spurs (Most in GW 1)
🔹Guro Reiten has 10 shots creating acting vs Spurs (Most in GW1)
🔹Lauren James took 8 shots vs. Spurs (Most in GW 1)
🔹Lauren James had 3 shots on target vs. Spurs (2nd joint… pic.twitter.com/MX0a5mfkIC— Chelsea Women Daily (@CFCWdaily) October 2, 2023
Since joining back, she has made 31 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals. She has won back-to-back League titles with the Blues and aims to make it her third in a row in the new season. Chelsea’s women’s team is regarded as one of the best in Europe, and Lauren James is one of their brightest prospects.
The potential was evident when she won Women’s Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards for her performances for Chelsea last season. James has been shining on the International stage also. She was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup while representing England.
