Crystal Palace announce French defender

On transfer deadline day, Crystal Palace were one of the busiest sides in the Premier League. Their business included the acquisition of French central defender Maxence Lacroix from Bundesliga side VFL Wolfsburg.

Crystal Palace announce French defender

Lacroix actually played for current Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner at Wolfsburg between 2020 and 2021, and the defender referenced this after making the switch to South East London.

The 24-year old is known for his incredible pace and athleticism, which feels like a perfect fit for wide centre-back. Whilst he does not have the incredible ball playing ability possessed by the recently departed Joachim Andersen, he is certainly a lot more mobile and will help Palace be able to push up the pitch and sustain attacks.

The new Palace signing is a former France youth international, though has not featured for any France side since 2019 and remains uncapped at senior level. Perhaps a move to the Premier League might help him get into manager Didier Deschamp's plans.

Despite the aforementioned depature of Andersen, a back three of Guehi - Chalobah - Lacroix looks pretty good and Palace should certainly be solid at the back this season, even if they are missing the guile and goal threat of Michael Olise in attack.

It has been a tough start to the Premier League season for Palace, losing both of their opening games to fellow London sides Brentford and West Ham, having previously not lost since March before that.

They did however get a confidence boosting 4-0 victory over Norwich in the Carabao Cup, keeping a first clean sheet of the season and last seasons cult hero Jean-Phillipe Mateta getting off the mark for the season.

Lacroix will be looking to help Palace keep that momentum, though it remains to be seen if he's thrown straight in for the visit to Chelsea on Sunday.