Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Despite Chelsea conceding two goals against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night, Xabi Alonso will still be pleased with Maxence Lacroix’s performance.
Lacroix was making his Chelsea debut following his £52m move from Crystal Palace this summer and helped his side win 3-2 in their first game of the season.
The central defender even managed to register an assist after an excellent bit of play down the right, setting up fellow debutant Morgan Rogers.
He looked like a right winger as he beat his man before passing the ball to Rogers for a tap-in!
Chelsea bought the 26-year-old to defend, though, and he did just that at Craven Cottage.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
According to Sofascore, only Josh Acheampong (15) made more defensive actions than Lacroix (12) during Monday night’s west London derby.
Breaking that down, in total, Lacroix made five tackles, four clearances, two interceptions and one block. Two of his tackles were last man challenges as well.
Aerially, the Frenchman could have done better. He won just two out of eight aerial duels, but overall, it was a debut to remember.
Maxence Lacroix of Chelsea
Photo by Chris Lee- Chelsea FC via Getty Images
It is easy to understand why Lacroix was Chelsea’s No.1 centre-back target this summer. As we saw on Monday, the France international is a very solid and aggressive defender, but he is also an experienced footballer with leadership qualities.
Before the game, Lacroix was seen giving a team talk, which was good to see, especially with the possibility of Enzo Fernandez leaving before the transfer deadline.
READ MORE:Xabi Alonso explains what Chelsea did wrong after Fulham equaliser
Fernandez is one of the few leaders in this Chelsea dressing room, often captaining the team in Reece James’ absence. However, despite Chelsea claiming that the World Cup winner would not be sold after their self-imposed deadline, it looks as though he could still join Manchester City.
It means Alonso needs players like Lacroix to step up and be a voice on the pitch.