How Chelsea can land Maxence Lacroix as £52m transfer closes

Chelsea will strengthen Xabi Alonso’s defense with the addition of French midfielder Maxence Lacroix.

The Blues were like that working on an agreement to add Lacroix in a team that has already been strengthened by players such as Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda.

As per AthleticChelsea are in the process of completing a £52m move for Palace, meaning it is only a matter of time until Lacroix is ​​officially unveiled as the new member of Alonso’s squad.

Before official confirmation, Sports mole looks at how Chelsea can match Lacroix in their side, considering the possibility that Alonso could play with a back three or four.

How can Lacroix get behind the third

Alonso favored a 3-4-2-1 formation during his successful tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and oversaw a run to the Europa League final.

Lacroix has adapted well to the demands of playing a back three under Oliver Glasner at Palace.

Glasner used Lacroix in a central role in the back three and one of the spots on either side of the central defender.

Lacroix’s aerial dominance and ability to win duels make him the ideal man to operate as a central defender in a back three.

He brings a physical presence that makes him a match for any striker, while his pace means he can tackle a center forward.

The role will also give Lacroix leadership the responsibility of guiding the central defenders on either side of him.

In this situation, Levi Colwill would be the clear choice to take the left center back position, while Reece James could play right center back, although Alonso may consider Wesley Fofana or Josh Acheampong in that position.

Alternatively, Alonso may feel that Lacroix’s athleticism and speed of recovery make him a suitable candidate to operate as a central defender.

In theory, he could also play as a left center back, but Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato are better options for that position.

In fact, Alonso could fit all three in the backline by playing Colwill in the center and Hato as a left-back.

Lacroix’s eagerness to get out of the defensive line to intercept passes may be better suited for this role, especially since he will have the safety net of a linebacker covering any space he leaves.

That being said, his aggressive defensive style can lead to poor performances, which can become more common when he finds himself against the opposition’s left-back, which is unlikely to happen when he plays a big role.

How can Lacroix be organized after 4

Alonso used a back four for most of his Real Madrid tenure, so he will consider it an option at Chelsea, even if he decides to start with a three-man defence.

Lacroix can adapt to playing as one of two full-backs, and is comfortable enough on the ball to be reliable in handling situations such as goal kicks.

Lacroix also had recent experience playing in a back four in France’s 2026 World Cup campaign, where he played three times.

The Frenchman, who also spent time playing as one of the back two at Wolfsburg, will form a partnership with Colwill if Alonso drops to a back four.

In this situation, James would play on the right side of Lacroix as a traditional full-back, while Hato could fill the left position.

Final decision

Lacroix’s toughness and aerial power, combined with his ability to read the game, make him a great option to play a key role in a three-man defense.

This will also allow Alonso to play with big ball-playing defenders in Colwill and James as left and right backs, ensuring Chelsea’s backline will be useful on the ball and off the ball.