Why Maxence Lacroix is the key to Xabi Alonso’s 3-4-3 tactical revolution at Chelsea after Crystal Palace move

XABI ALONSO wanted a leader and Chelsea have gone out and got him a pastor. The France defender, 26, has agreed a six-year deal to join the Blues from London rivals Crystal Palace and relishes his role as a leader. New Chelsea man Maxence Lacroix could be huge for new manager Xabi Alonso Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Alonso’s system could thrive with the addition of the French defender Credit: Getty Oliver Glasner signed the defender for Crystal Palace from Wolfsburg, having worked with Lacroix at the German club. Lacroix has a fierce sense of fun but is also deeply religious, and called himself ‘the pastor’ after joining Palace, where he would go on to become a key cog in the most successful side in the club’s history. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The FA Cup and Conference League winner would lead prayer sessions before training for any members of the squad who wanted to join. It was not only as a religious leader Lacroix felt comfortable, but in sessions and on the pitch too – comfortable barking at teammates of any standing. That particular trait will be music to the ears of Alonso and Blues fans, who recognised a squad in desperate need of character and a stronger mentality. Speaking on the way to lifting the FA Cup with the Eagles in 2025, Lacroix said of his role as a leader: “I’ve always been a leader on and off the pitch, so it’s not really difficult for me. “But here in this type of locker room you have to show more because everyone has such a big personality and I can show it more here and I like it.” Lacroix takes standards seriously, but also his own development. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The star was instrumental in Crystal Palace’s Uefa Conference League win Credit: Getty In London, the Frenchman hired his own personal coach who helped him plan his extra workout sessions, his eating habits and even his sleep. On top of that pursuit of fine margins, he would sit down with the coach and study whichever striker he was going to come up against in the next match to find an edge. That extra work has helped turn him into one of the best one-on-one defenders in the top flight over the past couple of seasons. Lacroix offers a blend of Premier League experience while also still having time to develop, a signing to keep all areas of Chelsea happy and similar to the Morgan Rogers deal, which made him the most expensive British player ever. He brings valuable pace and passion for defending on the front foot. It is also a clear sign that new boss Alonso will push to implement the back three system which drove his Bayer Leverkusen side to the German title without losing a single game. The pending addition of Lacroix, who flourished at the heart of Glasner’s back three for Crystal Palace, and wing-back Marco Palestra both point in the same direction. Some defenders will depart the Blues to make space, but Lacroix will be confident of a starting spot alongside Levi Colwill, who missed almost all of last season through injury. Alonso will have to wait a while to see Lacroix in action, with the defender now due to return to his holiday having reached the World Cup semi-finals with France. But once he reports to Cobham, Chelsea will get a taste of an infectious character. Chelsea ticket and hospitality deals GET tickets to see Chelsea home games at Stamford Bridge with these official deals. The packages include optional upgrades to VIP hospitality. ⚽ 30 Aug v Brighton — BOOK HERE ⚽ 12 Sep v Hull — BOOK HERE ⚽ 10 Oct v Bournemouth — BOOK HERE ⚽ 24 Oct v Spurs — BOOK HERE ⚽ 31 Oct v Man United — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Comment now