Maxence Lacroix arrived at Chelsea to strengthen Xabi Alonso’s defence, but his competitive debut against Fulham revealed another dimension to the £51million signing’s game.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro scored the goals that secured a 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage.
Yet Lacroix played an important role in two of those strikes, demonstrating why Alonso wanted a defender capable of influencing Chelsea’s attacking play.
Maxence Lacroix 🔵🇫🇷🫡[@J24_CFC] pic.twitter.com/DhK9D8WvzO
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Maxence Lacroix helped Chelsea score inside 31 seconds
Lacroix started between Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill in Alonso’s back three after Chelsea’s confirmed line-up revealed several selection surprises.
His first decisive contribution arrived almost immediately.
When Fulham cleared the ball towards the Chelsea half, Lacroix attacked the aerial challenge and directed possession towards Palmer.
Palmer quickly released João Pedro, who raced beyond the Fulham defence and lifted his finish over Bernd Leno.
Chelsea’s official match report highlighted Lacroix’s header as the starting point of the move.
It will not register as an assist, but it demonstrated how quickly Alonso wants his defenders to turn regained possession into attacking opportunities.
Chelsea defender delivered unexpected Morgan Rogers assist
Lacroix’s second contribution was even more eye-catching.
With Chelsea searching for a response after Josh King’s equaliser, the Frenchman advanced beyond Fulham’s defence and collected a pass from Palmer.
Rather than simply delivering an early cross, he beat Jorge Cuenca near the byline before driving the ball across the penalty area.
Rogers finished the move to score on his Chelsea debut, restoring the visitors’ lead before half-time.
The assist came from an area normally occupied by a winger or overlapping wing-back. For the central player in a back three to arrive there demonstrated the positional freedom Alonso wants within his system.
ReadChelsea awarded Lacroix 8/10 after an assured debut that combined defensive responsibility with attacking ambition.
Maxence Lacroix gives Xabi Alonso valuable flexibility
Lacroix joined from Crystal Palace in a deal worth £51million, according to Sky Sports’ reporting on his transfer.
At 26, he represented a notable change in Chelsea’s recruitment approach. Sky reported that he became the first player aged 26 or older signed by the club for a transfer fee since 2022.
His experience also gives Alonso the freedom to move between different defensive systems.
Chelsea still conceded twice and must improve defensively, but Lacroix showed he can offer more than simply protecting the penalty area.
For Alonso, having a centre-back capable of starting one goal and creating another could become a significant part of how this Chelsea side develops.
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