Maxence Lacroix brutally compared to forgotten ex-Newcastle man by media
The French media did not hold back in their reviews of Maxence Lacroix's display in Friday's 1-0 win over Turkey, with one outlet comparing him to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
The Chelsea man was selected from the start for Zinedine Zidane's first-ever match in charge of France and will be happy to have kept a clean sheet, with Kylian Mbappe's goal earning a winning start to the Nations league.
But it was not a particularly impressive performance from the 26-year-old, who often struggled to deal with the trickery of Arda Guler.
It has been a similar story for Lacroix's opening weeks at Chelsea, with the defender finding it difficult to provide the defensive security expected after his £52million arrival from Crystal Palace.
The position in the France team is currently his due to William Saliba's injury, but he may now find himself under pressure from the in-form Jeremy Jacquet, too.
With eight caps, Lacroix has already surpassed the France career of Yanga-Mbiwa, but there is a cruel narrative behind the comparison.
Maxence Lacroix begins the 'Zinedine Zidane era'
Yanga-Mbiwa made his France debut in August 2012, when he was playing for Montpellier in Ligue 1.
He joined Newcastle in 2013, later playing for Roma and Lyon before taking a career break from football in 2020 after several disappointing years.
Since his return in 2024, the 37-year-old has featured in the fourth tier of French football and signed for SC Montredon B in August.
Yanga-Mbiwa was just 23 when he made his debut for France, appearing at the back and keeping a clean sheet against Uruguay in Didier Deschamps' first-ever game in charge.
The comparison to Lacroix is a damaging one, because the centre-back would go on to make just three more appearances and ultimately fall far short of his potential.
French outlet SoFoot gave the Chelsea defender a four of 10 for his showing against Turkey, and asked: "Do you remember that Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa started in the very first match of the Deschamps era, on August 15, 2012?
"It's not certain that in 2040 everyone will be able to name Maxence Lacroix in the very first starting eleven of the Zidane era."
Lacroix stats provide encouragement
Despite the media reaction, Lacroix can be pleased with much of his display against Turkey.
The defender completed all but six of his attempted passes in the game, and won three of his four duels.
He also completed a tackle, a block, two interceptions, six clearances and eight recoveries - the most of any outfield France player.
Zidane's opinion will ultimately be what Lacroix cares about, and he may well have to wait for Monday's clash with Belgium to find out.