Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly has claimed that Max Lacroix is not a good signing for the club. He believes that the club should be targeting better players from sides that are better than the Blues.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Desailly said that he is unsure if Lacroix is the player who can help improve the Blues squad right now. He added that they needed a defender with more experience and leadership and said:
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“Is he what Chelsea really needs? I actually think they need a centre-back with more experience, a player that is already established and can come in and lead the defence. We need a real experienced leader at the heart of the defence. Don’t ask me for a name; it is Alonso and the club’s job to find the correct player that matches his philosophy.”
“It’s a good move for Lacroix, but I really want to see them target a player who has played at an elite level for a similar-sized club as Chelsea, with similar pressures, not a player from a smaller club than Chelsea.” (via Metro)
Desailly admitted that the Frenchman has been good for Crystal Palace. However, he does not see it happening with France and fears that the defender would not live up to the expectations at Stamford Bridge.
“I thought Lacroix did great for Crystal Palace last year in a back three, but playing for Palace and Chels are two different things. I didn’t think he played well for France. I was telling my friends that I would be interested to see how he does in a back four, because I’ve only ever seen him in a three. He had a very poor game against Spain and I didn’t think he was great against England either, where they conceded six goals. He could suit the team, but I’m intrigued to see how Alonso sets us up.”
Lacroix is currently on vacation after the FIFA World Cup with France.
Chelsea set to sign Max Lacroix from Crystal Palace
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £52 million deal with Crystal Palace for Max Lacroix. The two sides were in talks during the FIFA World Cup and agreed to a deal after weeks of negotiation.
However, neither side has announced it yet, and the defender needs to spend three weeks away from football as part of FIFA rules for players between seasons. He is expected to join the Blues in the first week of August.
Edited by Sripad