Lauren James has revealed Chelsea manager Emma Hayes "knows how to get the best out of her" with the forward starting to play her best football for the Blues.
James, 21, has had a big impact on Chelsea's form in recent months, scoring five goals to help the league champions charge to the top of the WSL and reach the last eight of the UEFA Women's Champions League. The sister of fellow Chelsea star Reece James is now pushing for regular international call-ups with the Lionesses and says that her slow introduction into the starting team by Hayes was a masterstroke.
In an interview with Sky Sports' Inside the WSL programme James, who spent four years at Chelsea as a youth player before re-joining in 2021, said her close relationship with the Blues manager has helped her hit top form.
"She (Hayes) is great," said James. "But she is great with everyone and especially me since I have come in. She has known me years, so she knows me inside out.
"I love working with her. She is a great person as well as a great manager. She knows how to get the best out of me. Emma had a lot of patience with me when I joined.
"Everyone else was like 'why is Lauren not playing', but I think the patience is starting to pay off now. I'm playing, getting more minutes and scoring.
"And my body is able to handle it. It has showed in the long run, we always had a plan. I'm just happy it is showing on the pitch now."
James also opened up on her relationship with fellow forward and Australian star striker Sam Kerr. In recent months the two have even adopted a joint-celebration, shooting an imagery basketball hoop in sync whenever one of the pair scores.
"Me and Sam are both into our fashion," she added. "So we can relate on a lot of things. Even if it's just what trainers we're wearing. Our music taste is similar as well, it has it's differences but then everyone is different.
"One training session I just said 'Sam we need to come up with a celebration.' And yeah we just came up with that. Whenever one of us scores we try and do it.
"I just thought it was something we should keep doing, it is quite catchy!"
The Chelsea forward has now found her feet at Kingsmeadow, following a tricky transition last season after her move from Manchester United. James has been rewarded for her excellent form with three England call-ups in succession after missing out on the Euros last summer.
And she is now targeting a spot in Sarina Wiegman's FIFA World Cup squad, with the Lionesses aiming to lift the ultimate prize in the international game for the first time.
"It takes anyone time (to adapt to a new club) but especially for me coming in and having a few niggles. This season has made me feel settled and made me feel like myself again.
"Getting the senior international call-up was a bit like the icing on the cake. I had a good pre-season, we went away with Chelsea and I managed to come back in good form. I was sharp and fit.
"The call-up was what I was working towards, so it was nice to get that finally. Everyone was really proud of me (in the family) and they all just want to see me do well.
"I think the World Cup is everyone's dream so obviously it is mine. I just have to look at it in terms of each game and playing well for Chelsea, because without good club form you don't play for your national team."
NEW! Our Year: European Champions 2022 - The Official England Winners Book
With a foreword by England manager Sarina Wiegman, this is the only official book of the historic triumph, reliving every kick of a thrilling tournament and telling the stories of the players who made it all happen.
Order from https://reachsportshop.com/book/our-year-european-champion-2022/
