What French media said about Maxence Lacroix after Chelsea teammate embarrassed him
Having cost more than £50m in the summer, Maxence Lacroix will have hoped to have made a better start to life at Chelsea. There has been some criticism, but he’s been first choice for France.
Lacroix has now started four of Chelsea’s five Premier League games, and in that time, the Blues have let in 10 goals. Not good enough from the Frenchman, but Zinedine Zidane has clearly been impressed.
Going into the break, Lacroix had seven France caps. He returns to Chelsea with 11, having played 90 minutes in three of France’s four, coming on as a sub in the other. He started and finished last night.
France secured a big win against Romeo Lavia’s Belgium on Monday night. But it was not until the 77th minute that Zidane’s side actually scored, as the former Real Madrid manager’s substitutes won the game.
In fact, it was Blues pal Lavia who embarrassed Lacroix. The defender was caught out of position when his Chelsea teammate slammed through a mesmerising pass to find Dodi Lukebakio, who put Belgium ahead.
But Desire Doue, Chelsea target Rayan Cherki and a brace from former Blues academy star Michael Olise gave France a 4-1 win. After the game, French media criticised Lacroix for his role in Belgium’s goal.
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Foot Mercato gave Lacroix a 5/10 rating: “Forced to contend with the towering Lukaku, the Chelsea player struggled in physical duels. Previously involved in Belgian counter-attacks, he was caught out
“He was busy marking Lukaku on Lavia’s pinpoint pass to Lukebakio (35th minute). Called upon almost exclusively on the counter-attack, he managed to remain alert.” Le Parisien also had their say last night.
They said: “Playing on the left side of the defense, he was generally diligent in covering duties. However, he was drawn out of position by Lukaku’s movement, creating space for Lukébakio to score for Belgium.”
Lacroix guilty of getting into a battle with Romelu Lukaku
Lacroix is known for his physical prowess, and his lofty frame makes him a real force in the air. Only a few strikers can genuinely give him a good battle, but former Chelsea striker Lukaku is certainly one of those.
The Chelsea defender was guilty of getting embroiled in a one-on-one battle with Lukaku. Entering into eight duels on the night, Lacroix won just two. It is a learning curve for Lacroix – even if Lukaku was quiet.
The goal came because Lukaku was used as a decoy by Lavia and Lukebakio. Nevertheless, Lacroix returns to West London with his confidence high after four more France caps, and no injury following the break.
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