Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea: Crystal Palace defender quick, one-on-one passer and now a leader too | football news

Chelsea have not paid a transfer fee for a player aged 26 or over since the summer of 2022 with the ill-fated acquisitions of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. But Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix is ​​one player to relax the policy.

Far from a veteran, Lacroix, 26, is entering his prime after two strong seasons with Palace. Outside of Selhurst Park, perhaps the Frenchman has gone somewhat under the radar. But, especially since Mark Guihy’s departure, awareness of his key role is growing.

Oliver Glasner, who worked with him in both Germany and England, summed it up rather recently with his verdict on the player. “There is Maxence Lacroix, who came from Wolfsburg, and a lot of people asked, ‘Why did you sign this player?’ I think he’s moved on.”

Few defenders boast of his skills. Lacroix ranks among the top five fastest centre-backs in the Premier League since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024. This recovery speed helps make him one of the strongest defenders in the competition.

The numbers back that up. In one-on-one situations, no one is better at winning the ball back than Lacroix. He is the only Premier League player to have faced 50 or more tackles in the last two seasons and won the ball more often.

At 6’4″ tall, Lacroix is ​​a powerful physical presence who has easily adapted to the demands of the Premier League. He has all the stats to back it up, ranking third for clearances and seventh for aerial duels won. But he can do more than defend his box.

This makes him an attractive proposition for the richest clubs. His pace and one-on-one skills mean he can be trusted to defend high and low. Top teams want their defenders on the front foot. He is among the top five centre-backs for interceptions.

Lacroix became the Palace. He had his moments earlier in his career. There was a disaster when attacking the wall after being hooked in the first half against Bayern Munich at Wolfsburg.

But that was an outlier. Sochaux’s youth coaches recall a boy of unusual intelligence, able to engage in a variety of subjects. Her mother Corinne is a doctor and has been a sounding board throughout her career, helping with nutritional and psychological advice.

Lacroix emerged as a leader, becoming a vice-captain at Palace. He is popular with team-mates and supporters – even going so far as to buy a drink for every supporter queuing at the opening home game at Selhurst Park in August to mark his shirt number.

His performances in the first half of the season earned him name recognition in Jamie Carragher’s squad for the Premier League season at the start of the year. Guehi just get his head in front of him. But the farewell to England has been good for both.

Lacroix has since added another trophy to his collection, winning the UEFA Conference League – his third piece of silverware in two seasons at the club. But he has also shown evidence of leadership. This will encourage Chelsea as she grows.

The player himself admitted that he needed to talk more around his former captain and he responded to that responsibility. For scouts looking for the total package, the 2026 development may tick the last box.

His appearance at the World Cup indicated his rise. A year ago, Lacroix said he knew he would one day play for France. Two years ago, he mentioned it as a goal when he visited the Palace. “We talked about this,” Glasner revealed. “It was his big dream.”

Maybe the next dream is Chelsea. What effect can he have? Well, he would be a force in both boxes. Lacroix ranks among the top 10 defenders for expected goals from set pieces. But his main task will be to help solidify a defense that has held them back.

On average, Chelsea conceded fewer than 30 Premier League goals per season over the 12-year period between 2003 and 2015. Last season, for the third consecutive season, they conceded more than 50 losses. There is a delayed realization of the need for experience.

Lacroix brings this and more. He is not a prodigy like many of Chelsea’s signings. “He deserves all the credit because he worked hard,” Glasner explained. He’s a little different. But that could make him one of their most important signings yet.