Chelsea: Viral Lauren James TikTok proves she could be 2023’s Beth Mead | OneFootball

Lauren James is fast becoming one of the most exciting talents in women’s football and her latest highlights reel proves just that.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a slow start to life at Chelsea but has flourished so far this year and developed into an integral player for Emma Hayes’ side.

James has scored five times in all competitions this season and her powerful dribbling has drawn plenty of plaudits.

In fact, James’ brother, Reece, who also plays for Chelsea and England, stressed that his sibling is technically better than some Premier League players and a future Ballon d’Or Feminin winner.

The Chelsea star has been so impressive recently that even the Women’s Super League has shared their appreciation for the youngster.

In a now-viral TikTok, the official WSL account shared a montage of James’ best bits from this season and it’s fair to say she’s the real deal.

Check it out below:

Fans react to James’ highlights

As you’d expect, a number of fans were quick to praise the Chelsea winger and emphasised how good her dribbling skills are.

“Reece James wasn’t joking when he said she was technically better than some men’s players,” one said.

“When it comes to dribbling, Lauren James is HER,” wrote another.

A third added: “Her close ball control is better than certain men.”

“It’s like watching glimpses of prime Hazard,” stressed a fourth.

Could James be this year’s Beth Mead?

While 2023 has only just begun, James’ form of late suggests that big things lie ahead.

Last year, Beth Mead went from a player on the fringes of the Arsenal first team, to England’s star forward and one of the best players on the planet.

Indeed, Mead won the Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot awards at Euro 2022 and was also named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Like Mead, James is also a winger with an eye for goal and she has already proven her credentials at international level.

The 21-year-old has been capped five times by Sarina Wiegman and with Mead set for an extended spell on the sidelines, due to an ACL injury, this year could be James’ time to step up in her absence.

Will James make the England World Cup squad?

Given Mead’s long-term injury, it seems increasingly likely that James will earn a spot on the plane to Australia and New Zealand.

While the winger has only made a handful of appearances, Wiegman’s desire to give her minutes at the back end of 2022 suggests she has big plans for the Chelsea star.

The World Cup is still more than six months away, however, and there is plenty of time for others to impress the Lionesses boss.

For now, though, James is flying and the sky is the limit.