Lacroix joined Chelsea from Crystal Palace during the summer after representing France at the FIFA World Cup. He has made an immediate impression, featuring in every Premier League fixture so far this season and starting all but one.
The defender’s first months at Chelsea have given Alonso what he expected from a player with previous Premier League experience. Ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, the manager highlighted Lacroix’s readiness to compete and his ability to organise those around him.
“Max has many good things, but two of them are that he's ready – we knew that his impact was going to be instant with his Premier League experience, being competitive – and he has a strong personality,” Alonso said.
“He has great leadership. He likes to communicate, to be loud, to be very active in the game, and that presence is very important.”
Lacroix’s arrival followed two seasons at Crystal Palace, where he became an established defender and helped the club win the FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League. His experience at Palace gave him a strong grounding in English football before the move across London.
Alonso has also been encouraged by the way the French international has developed his understanding with Chelsea’s other defenders. Lacroix has played alongside Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, and the manager believes those partnerships are improving as the season progresses.
“With the players around him, we are connecting better with him, and he's doing much better,” Alonso said. “He's doing good now, lately playing with Levi [Colwill] and when he has played with Wes [Fofana].”
The manager added that the club are pleased with Lacroix’s contribution and that the player himself is feeling settled.
“We are very happy with him and he's feeling good.”
Chelsea’s meeting with Tottenham provides another test for a defence that will need to communicate well and remain organised against a London rival. Lacroix’s willingness to direct those around him could be particularly valuable in a match where intensity and concentration are likely to matter.
Alonso’s comments also underline why Chelsea moved for the defender. Beyond his physical qualities, the manager values his competitive instincts and the leadership he brings to the back line.
With the season developing and Chelsea looking to build consistency, Lacroix’s ability to adapt quickly has given Alonso a reliable option at centre-back. The next challenge is to maintain that level against Tottenham and help the team continue to strengthen its defensive understanding.