Chelsea are set to bolster Xabi Alonso’s defensive options with the addition of France international Maxence Lacroix.
The Blues have been working on a deal to add Lacroix to a squad that has already been strengthened by the likes of Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda.
As per The Athletic, Chelsea are in the process of finalising a £52 million transfer with Crystal Palace, meaning it is only a matter of time until Lacroix is officially unveiled as the newest member of Alonso’s squad.
Ahead of the official confirmation, Sports Mole looks at how Chelsea could line up with Lacroix in their side, considering the possibility that Alonso could play with either a back three or a back four.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Maxence Lacroix |
| Age | 26 |
| Nationality | France |
| Current Club | Crystal Palace |
| Proposed Transfer Fee | £52 million |
| Interested Club | Chelsea |
| Position | Centre-Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Strengths | Pace, Aerial Ability, Recovery Speed, Physicality |
Why Chelsea Want Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea’s interest in Lacroix reflects the club’s desire to add an experienced, athletic defender capable of thriving in multiple defensive systems. His combination of speed, strength, and composure on the ball makes him an ideal fit for Xabi Alonso’s tactical philosophy.
The French international has impressed in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, while also gaining valuable international experience with France. His versatility allows him to play both as the central defender in a back three and as one of two centre-backs in a traditional back four.
How Lacroix Could Line Up in a Back Three
Option 1: Lacroix as the Central Defender
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| RCB | Reece James |
| CB | Maxence Lacroix |
| LCB | Levi Colwill |
Alonso favoured a 3-4-2-1 formation during his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal while also reaching the Europa League final.
Lacroix has become well accustomed to the demands of playing in a back three under Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace.
Glasner has used Lacroix in the central role as well as on either side of the defensive trio.
Lacroix’s aerial dominance and ability to win physical duels make him a natural candidate to operate as the central defender.
He brings a commanding physical presence capable of matching powerful strikers, while his recovery pace allows him to cope against quicker forwards.
The role would also give Lacroix responsibility for organizing Chelsea’s defensive line and acting as the leader of the back three.
Reece James could feature on the right side of defence, although Wesley Fofana and Josh Acheampong also provide alternatives.
Tactical Advantages of This System
| Strength | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aerial dominance | Better defending crosses and set pieces |
| Recovery pace | Covers space behind wing-backs |
| Leadership | Organizes the defensive line |
| Ball progression | Starts attacks from deep |
| Physical presence | Handles powerful centre-forwards |
Option 2: Lacroix as the Right Centre-Back
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| RCB | Maxence Lacroix |
| CB | Levi Colwill |
| LCB | Jorrel Hato |
Alternatively, Alonso may decide that Lacroix’s athleticism and recovery speed are better suited to the right side of a three-man defence.
Although capable of playing on the left, Chelsea already possess natural left-footed options such as Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato.
Operating on the right would allow Lacroix to step forward aggressively to intercept passes while still benefiting from cover provided by the central defender.
However, this role could also expose him to more one-on-one situations against quick left-wingers, meaning his aggressive style would need to remain disciplined.
How Lacroix Could Line Up in a Back Four
Option 3: Traditional Back Four
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| RB | Reece James |
| RCB | Maxence Lacroix |
| LCB | Levi Colwill |
| LB | Jorrel Hato |
Although Alonso is well known for using a three-man defence, he also relied on a back four during much of his spell at Real Madrid.
Lacroix possesses the positional awareness and composure needed to succeed as one of two central defenders.
He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure, making him an important asset when Chelsea build attacks from the back.
His recent experience with France during the 2026 FIFA World Cup also demonstrated that he can perform effectively in a four-man defence.
Alongside Levi Colwill, Lacroix would provide Chelsea with a balanced partnership combining athleticism, strength, and technical quality.
Lacroix’s Defensive Profile
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Pace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Aerial Ability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tackling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Positioning | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Passing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Physical Strength | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Recovery Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
What Lacroix Would Add to Chelsea
Chelsea have invested heavily in young talent over recent transfer windows, but Lacroix offers something equally valuable: proven Premier League experience.
His arrival would strengthen the squad in several areas:
- Greater defensive leadership.
- Improved aerial dominance.
- Better recovery speed against counter-attacks.
- Tactical flexibility between back-three and back-four systems.
- Increased competition for starting places.
These qualities could prove crucial as Chelsea compete across multiple competitions next season.
Possible Chelsea Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Robert Sánchez |
| RCB | Reece James |
| CB | Maxence Lacroix |
| LCB | Levi Colwill |
| RWB | Malo Gusto |
| LWB | Marc Cucurella |
| CM | Moisés Caicedo |
| CM | Enzo Fernández |
| AM | Cole Palmer |
| AM | Morgan Rogers |
| ST | Nicolas Jackson |
Possible Chelsea Starting XI (4-3-3)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Robert Sánchez |
| RB | Reece James |
| CB | Maxence Lacroix |
| CB | Levi Colwill |
| LB | Jorrel Hato |
| CM | Enzo Fernández |
| CM | Moisés Caicedo |
| AM | Cole Palmer |
| RW | Geovany Quenda |
| ST | Nicolas Jackson |
| LW | Morgan Rogers |
Final Verdict
Lacroix’s imposing stature, aerial dominance, pace, and defensive intelligence make him an outstanding addition for Chelsea if the reported £52 million transfer is completed.
Whether Xabi Alonso chooses a three-man defence or a traditional back four, the French defender appears capable of adapting seamlessly to either system.
His versatility, leadership qualities, and ability to play out from the back could make him one of Chelsea’s most important defensive signings in recent years, giving the Blues greater tactical flexibility as they prepare for another demanding Premier League campaign.
