Lauren James’ Dribbling Highlights Shows Why She Prefers Prime Hazard Over Messi

• Lauren James came up with a hot take as she declared that she prefers a prime Eden Hazard over Lionel Messi
• Messi is currently playing in the MLS, while Eden Hazard’s future is in limbo after the Belgian left Real Madrid
• Videos of James’ highlights online show that she has an eerily similar style of play to that of Eden Hazard

The unending debate of who is the greater player between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will surely go on for decades after the pair has retired from football.

One can easily make a strong case for either player, depending on what is appreciated more in the modern game, but what is for certain is that both Messi and Ronaldo rank high up there in the tiers of greatest ever players to grace a football pitch.

For this reason, it came as a surprise when Lauren James boldly declared that she would prefer a prime Eden Hazard over Lionel Messi.

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The 22-year-old was in the Women’s Super League action on Sunday, October 1, for her team, Chelsea, who came up against Tottenham in their opening game.

Like the men’s team, Chelsea Women have also been blessed with immense talent over the years, which has translated to silverware success.

No player in the men’s team rings louder in fans’ minds than Eden Hazard, who was a master on the football pitch for Chelsea in his prime.

Not only could the Belgian single-handedly win a game for the Blues, but his presence alone in the team always seemed to benefit his teammates, who somehow played better with him.

As per Transfermarkt, Hazard made 245 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, registering 85 goals and 61 assists in the process.

Lauren’s take on Hazard

While speaking to Sky Sports before Chelsea’s clash against Tottenham, James was asked by former Blue Karen Carney who she preferred between Messi and Ronaldo.

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James leaned towards Messi, but was quick to add that she prefers Eden Hazard simply because of how the Belgian plays.

"No, I just like the way he plays, just the way he dribbles. I still have Messi, but Hazard will always be my favourite," she said, as quoted on TalkSport.

A quick look at the way Lauren James plays shows exactly why she prefers Hazard as the two have an eerily similar playing style.

Just like her idol, James is brilliant on close ball control, and can weave her way around defenders from any position on the pitch.

Her ball retention ability is also quite impressive, allowing other teammates to get in the game with dangerous movements in opposition territory.

Lauren James scores for Chelsea

Sports Brief also reported on James’ first goal in the WSL in Chelsea’s win over Tottenham.

James scored her first WSL goal of the season in the 51st minute after brilliantly guiding a cross into the net in trademark fashion, leaving fans gushing.