The fresh touch of Didier Deschamps’ new list, which was clearly not obvious at the time of its announcement on Thursday, therefore resulted from a last minute package. If he played the entire final of the English League Cup lost on Sunday against Manchester City (0-2), the rock of the Gunners William Saliba immediately indicated “suffering from recurring pain in his left ankle”, as explained by the FFF.
Having become essential in the axis within the Blues, William Saliba therefore withdrew from this gathering, due to preparation matches in the United States against Brazil (Thursday) and Colombia (Sunday), not compatible with his “minimum rest period of ten days”. So, who is the lucky one, surprise from the head of our “DD”, to replace him? This is Maxence Lacroix, called up for the very first time for the French team on Sunday evening. Maxence who? And yes, this name does not sound mainstream, like his sports CV.
The 2025 Cup, first career coronation
An end of training at Sochaux, two seasons of Ligue 2 with the Lionceaux (from 2018 to 2020), then four full seasons of the Bundesliga, but in a certain anonymity with Wolfsburg (2020-2024), before the big jump to the Premier League. But here again, the French followers of Crystal Palace do not run to the pubs. So much so that at 25 years old (26 years old in two weeks), Maxence Lacroix has the particularity of having only played six matches in his career (all in groups) in the Champions League (in 2021). THE most often vital criterion for appearing on Didier Deschamps’ radar.
Without C1 but with favorite status in the Conference League, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace has become a great story across the Channel, thanks to its Cup coronation last spring against Manchester City (1-0). The first in the West Indian’s professional career, as well as the first in the entire history of this London club accustomed to remaining in the shadows.
Our file on the French team
Since this season, Maxence Lacroix has been the real boss of the central defense of the Eagles, currently 14th in the PL, following the recent departure of ex-captain Marc Guéhi (Manchester City). This solid 1.90 m right-hander, under contract until 2029 with Crystal Palace, was transferred for 18 million euros from Wolfsburg. There is no doubt that a first cape this week could increase his market value even further.
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