Photo: Bryan Berlin / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has backed Maxence Lacroix to elevate his career after the French defender completed a transfer from Crystal Palace to Chelsea, signing a contract until 2032.
Lacroix finalised the move yesterday, switching from Selhurst Park to Stamford Bridge. Cahill, speaking in Australia where Chelsea are on a pre-season tour, offered a unique perspective having made the same journey in reverse when he left Chelsea for Palace in 2019.
"He's a great player and it's a really smart signing," Cahill said. "I think he's at a great age now as well and he's had that experience of playing regularly in the Premier League."
Cahill highlighted Lacroix's international exposure as a further indication of his credentials. "He's obviously been involved at the World Cup with the French national team and he's put himself on that platform and into that sort of pedigree now," he added. "But again, similar to when I moved to Chelsea, you get that opportunity to take your career to the next level."
The former centre-back also drew on his own time at Palace to assess the defender's development. "I was at Palace for a couple of years, and I enjoyed my time there. He's done the same and he's progressed while he's been there," Cahill said.
Cahill served as Chelsea captain following John Terry's departure and won multiple trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge. He is currently accompanying the club on their pre-season tour in an ambassador capacity.