EPL: Carragher names Chelsea player not comfortable with Alonso’s tactics
Former Defender Analyzes Chelsea’s Lacroix Performance
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has raised concerns about Maxence Lacroix’s fit within Chelsea’s defensive framework under manager Xabi Alonso. Carragher pointed out that the £52 million summer signing from Crystal Palace seems to struggle with the mobility required for Alonso’s man-to-man defensive strategy.
During a recent appearance on The Overlap Fan Debate presented by Sky Bet, Carragher acknowledged Lacroix’s effectiveness in a three-defender setup at Crystal Palace but expressed doubts about his adaptability in a four-man defense. His remarks followed Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on October 24, as well as his analysis of the team’s performance in other matches this season.
“I look at the signing of Maxence Lacroix, and I really liked him at Crystal Palace in a back three,” Carragher said. “But I was watching him against Tottenham and in other games this season, and I saw him pressing man-to-man, and it didn’t look comfortable to me. He didn’t seem mobile enough for a back four, especially when he had to manage someone like James Maddison.”
Lacroix, 26, joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace in July, signing a six-year deal. He has participated in all eight of Chelsea’s Premier League matches, primarily playing in the center of a five-defender formation. He has also been deployed as a right center-back when Alonso has opted for a four-man setup.
Carragher further critiqued Chelsea’s overall defensive quality, suggesting it remains at an average level. “Their performances are consistently average, ranging from six to seven out of ten,” he stated. “The squad lacks an exceptional individual capable of anchoring the defense or providing cohesive leadership, and the overall impression is decidedly unremarkable.”
However, Carragher did commend Josh Acheampong’s development at right-back, praising the academy product’s growth under Alonso’s guidance.
