French media slate Maxence Lacroix amid source's update on Chelsea plan
French media have criticised Maxence Lacroix following his poor showing in their World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
Lacroix won a call-up to France's World Cup squad off the back of an impressive campaign with Conference League winners Crystal Palace.
The 26-year-old's sole tournament appearance before Tuesday's semi-final came in Les Bleus' 4-1 group stage win against Norway.
He was called on out of the blue against Spain to replace Arsenal star William Saliba, who had to be taken off on the half-hour mark.
Lacroix struggled to make his mark next to Dayot Upamecano as Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro scored in each half to seal a 2-0 win for the Spaniards.
Chelsea may well be wary of targeting the 26-year-old based on what French media have said about his performance.
Sources say the west Londoners are keeping close tabs on the Palace star as they assess new signing options.
Maxence Lacroix 'failed to stabilise' France in Spain defeat
Lacroix featured 55 times for Palace throughout last season, but looked rusty on Tuesday evening in his first showing since 26 June.
He failed to make a successful tackle on a Spain player, and won just one ground duel of three attempted, while also committing two fouls.
Lacroix was also drawn in by some slick Spanish play in the 58th minute that ultimately saw him fail to track Porro's run into the penalty area, before he dispatched for 2-0.
French media did not hold back in their assessments of his performance, with Maxifoot handing him a rating of 3 and saying: "He struggled. Faced with the Spaniards’ pace, the Crystal Palace player was too often a step behind. And on Porro’s goal, the Frenchman was far too passive..."
Footmercato did pick up on some better moments for the Palace man, but also only gave him a 4.5 rating and wrote: "Initially put the team at ease with a fine header to deny Oyarzabal (32nd minute), before making a commanding return at the start of the second half (48th minute). Despite a few clean saves, his introduction failed to stabilise a defence that was struggling."
Then L'Equipe were kinder with their rating of 5, but still critical of Lacroix as they said: "He was involved but was sometimes a little way off his man-marking duties, before being drawn into the centre for Porro’s second goal."
What is the latest on Lacroix joining Chelsea?
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is keen to bolster his backline this summer after their tough 2025-26 campaign from a defensive standpoint.
Sources have previously revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea want to sign Lacroix this summer, but the Eagles are demanding around £60million for his services.
While reports of an imminent move have lessened, The Athletic's report from Tuesday has claimed that the 26-year-old remains a key target for the Blues and they intend to sign at least one centre-back.