Why Xabi Alonso sees ex-Wolfsburg star Maxence Lacroix as Chelsea's new defensive leader | OneFootball

Chelsea have completed the signing of former VfL Wolfsburg centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, with the France international signing a long-term contract until 2032. The reported transfer fee of around £52 million (€60 million) makes him one of the club's biggest defensive investments in recent years.

According to Transfermarkt, Lacroix was one of Xabi Alonso's priority targets because of his perfect fit for the Spaniard's tactical approach. Comfortable in a back three, blessed with exceptional pace for a central defender and strong in one-on-one situations, the 26-year-old already proved his suitability in a similar system under Oliver Glasner at both Wolfsburg and Crystal Palace.

This suggests Lacroix could take on a role similar to Edmond Tapsoba's at Bayer Leverkusen. Under Alonso, Tapsoba was responsible for initiating attacks from the back while combining physical dominance with composure in possession qualities Chelsea believe Lacroix possesses as well.

For Bundesliga fans, the transfer is another reminder of Wolfsburg's successful recruitment. The club signed Lacroix from Sochaux for just €5 million in 2020 before selling him to Crystal Palace in 2024 for a package worth up to €21 million. Chelsea have now paid almost three times that amount, highlighting the defender's rapid rise since leaving Germany. Wolfsburg are also set to benefit financially from the deal thanks to a sell-on clause negotiated as part of Lacroix's move to Palace, Transfermarkt reports.

With Chelsea reshaping their squad under Alonso, Lacroix is expected to become the leader of a new-look defence - and, much like Tapsoba did at Leverkusen, one of the foundations of the coach's tactical project. Whether or not Alonso will reach the hights he did during his time with Leverkusen, remains to be seen.