Amid the furore of Chelsea’s first pre-season friendly and the potential deals for England internationals Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, talk of Maxence Lacroix’s move has died down.
That’s not to say it isn’t happening. Lacroix’s move from Crystal Palace is still very much on the cards, with the two sides said to have agreed a fee north of £50m. An announcement is expected in the coming days.
What do you make of Chelsea’s interest in Maxence Lacroix?
Here’s what we think…
It sees Xabi Alonso bring in a top-quality, proven Premier League giant at centre-back. Chelsea had a bad season last term, but they were worse at centre-back than they have ever been before. It has to change.
Levi Colwill is back, but Chelsea needed to find him a partner, and they have done that in Palace defender Lacroix. But what is the stance among Palace supporters – is Lacroix good enough, and is it a good deal?
READ MORE:What Landon Emenalo has been doing behind the scenes to impress Xabi Alonso
The lowdown on Maxence Lacroix from a Palace expert
All the stats suggest Lacroix is going to be a good signing for Chelsea, even if the Blues have had to pay a big fee to land the former Wolfsburg ace. According to We Are Palace writer Billy Meyers, that is the case.
Chelsea have tried, and tried again, to find a good centre-back to go with Colwill. But over the years, the Blues have failed on many occasions – signing the likes of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi and other flops.
Maxence Lacroix of France
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Meyers explains why Lacroix is different: “Chelsea are getting a duel-winning machine in Maxence Lacroix. No player averaged more clearances in the Premier League last term (7.2 per game),” Meyers explained.
“He is also the only player in the Premier League to have won the ball more often than not from 50 duels in the last two seasons – finding himself amongst the top five quickest defenders in the division too.”
Why Lacroix is ideal for a Chelsea side under Alonso
Meyers also explained why Lacroix suits Alonso, with the defender’s incredible speed allowing a high line. That suits Alonso, who likes to press from the front and box an opposition in, pushing up the pitch.
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Photo by Mauro PIMENTEL / AFP via Getty Images
“Lacroix allows managers to start their backline five yards higher, such is his ridiculous recovery pace. This speed does get him out of bother at times, when taking too long, or he’s made a sloppy pass,” he added.
“He is also prone to a careless challenge, as seen when he committed penalties in defeats away to Everton and Manchester United last season. However, he is far more reliable than he is a liability.
“What the France international may lack in certain areas on the pitch, he also makes up for in terms of his character and leadership qualities,” Meyers continued, underlining how Lacroix will suit Alonso’s Chelsea.
So, is £52m a fair price for Lacroix, or could it be a bargain?
Having already splashed the best part of £170m on two players in Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, Chelsea might have been forgiven for calming down their spending. But Lacroix is set to cost £52m.
Who would you rather Chelsea sign, John Stones or Maxence Lacroix?
John Stones breaking news graphic
Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s a lot of money for a centre-back. Alongside Lenny Yoro and Jan Paul van Hecke, at £52m, Lacroix will become the joint-eighth most expensive centre-back signing in the history of the Premier League.
Meyers, though, thinks it is a bargain for Chelsea: “In less than two seasons at Palace, he became a real link between players and fans. For only £52m in this market, Chelsea have got themselves a bargain.”
A deal has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected that Chelsea will announce the signing of Lacroix at some point this week. Perhaps it could be alongside Welbeck and/or even with Henderson.
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