French media slam Maxence Lacroix's display vs Norway as Chelsea eye swoop

French media were unconvinced by Chelsea target Maxence Lacroix as he made his World Cup debut for Les Bleus against Norway on Friday.

Lacroix impressed at Crystal Palace throughout last season to help them win the Conference League under Oliver Glasner.

He has made 98 appearances for the Eagles since joining from Wolfsburg in 2024, and earned a spot in France's World Cup squad for his fine form at Selhurst Park.

Lacroix sat on the bench for their first two Group I clashes against Senegal and Iraq, but was handed a competitive international debut against Norway on Friday night.

He played the full 90 minutes in their 4-1 victory in Boston, but received mixed reviews from national media following the clash.

Chelsea are reportedly lining up a move for his services this summer, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich also believed to be tracking his availability.

Palace are not keen on letting him leave as they prepare for a Europa League campaign under new boss Pierre Sage, and his latest showing may put interested clubs off a move.

What have French media said about Maxence Lacroix vs Norway?

Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele crashed home a 25-minute hat-trick in the first half against Norway as France cruised towards qualifying as top of Group I.

Rangers' Thelo Aasgaard pulled one back for Norway before Desire Doue added another for Les Bleus late on, with Stale Solbakken's side dominating the chances in the second half.

Lacroix completed 43 passes, made five clearances and three recoveries, but won just two of five ground duels, one of four aerial duels and committed two fouls.

It was certainly not a vintage showing, as L'Equipe gave him a rating of five out of 10 and said: "In his World Cup debut, the defender played a very low-key game. Focused and diligent, he handled Strand Larsen’s size with ease. The former Sochaux player chose not to take any risks with the ball at his feet.

"However, a few technical errors could have led to dangerous situations for the Norwegians. He came very close to converting a free kick from Olise at the far post."

Maxifoot thought he played slightly better and hinted at a move to Stamford Bridge, handing him a 5.5 rating, as they wrote: "Brought in to give Saliba a breather, the French national team centre-back generally held his own.

"He made a key play to recover from a poor clearance by Upamecano in the first half, and the future Chelsea player was solid in one-on-one situations and accurate with his passes. He can’t be blamed for the goal conceded."

How much do Palace want from Chelsea for Lacroix?

Lacroix's stock is only set to rise as France aim to go deep into the World Cup, especially if he features again and does well.

Chelsea are keen on his services, but likely need to offload another centre-back to get a deal done for the Frenchman soon.

Sources have told Football Insider that Palace will demand £50million for Lacroix this summer, as they remain keen to retain his services.

He remains under contract until 2029, so the Eagles are in no rush to agree to a sale anytime soon.