Alonso says new Chelsea signing Lacroix has ‘winner’s mentality’

AFP | Sydney

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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso yesterday said new signing Maxence Lacroix has a winner's mentality and will boost their defensive line, hailing his "strong personality".

The French international was unveiled on Thursday, moving to Stamford Bridge from Crystal Palace in a deal worth a reported £52 million ($70 million).

Lacroix agreed a six-year contract and will link up with the new club for their pre-season preparations.

"I know Maxence from my time in the Bundesliga," said former Liverpool star Alonso, who rose to prominence as one of Europe's brightest coaches at Bayer Leverkusen.

"But I think that his progression and his adaptation in the Premier League has been fantastic. Not just on the pitch but in terms of personality, leadership.

"He has these attributes and is a very reliable player that will give us power in the defensive line and will have a big direct impact in the team, I'm sure.

"So it's a great signing for now and for the future."

Lacroix made 98 appearances for Palace after arriving from Wolfsburg in 2024.

He won the FA Cup, the UEFA Conference League and the Community Shield during his time at Selhurst Park.

"He has strong personality, he's mature," added Alonso, in Sydney on Chelsea's pre-tour as he works to revitalise a side that finished a disappointing 10th in the Premier League last season.

"He wants to win. He has a winner's mentality, and he loves to defend, and that's something I like as well."

The 26-year-old, who has won seven caps for France and played for his country at the recent World Cup, said he was proud to be a part of "this beautiful club".

"When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we have the same direction and desire for this club," he said. "We want to win."

"I know Maxence from

my time in the Bundesliga.

But I think that his progression

and his adaptation

in the Premier League

has been fantastic.

Not just on the pitch

but in terms of personality,

leadership"

                   — XABI ALONSO