Maxence Lacroix has explained the impact Marc Guehi’s departure has had on him and Crystal Palace since leaving for Manchester City in January. The English defender ended a four-and-a-half-year spell at Selhurst Park.
Guehi became an Eagles hero during his time with the club, captaining them to the FA Cup last season. He made 188 appearances, including in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool back in August 2025.
Lacroix has stepped up and replaced the Englishman as the leader of Oliver Glasner’s defence. His performances have been crucial for the South Londoners and he is playing a key role in the team’s Europa Conference League campaign.
‘I didn’t change’
Lacroix spoke ahead of Crystal Palace’s clash with AEK Larnaca in the Europa Conference League Round of 16. =TNT Sports asked if Guehi’s departure had seen him take on more of a leadership role:
“I didn’t change a lot because even when Marc was still here, I was still speaking… I just said, now okay we don’t have our captain, so yeah maybe I need to talk a little bit more and be strong.”
Lacroix only joined Palace from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2024, but he feels like he’s been with the team for many years. He cost £18m, which has proven to be a bargain given his importance.
The 25-year-old is one of the players of whom Steve Parish and the board are eager to tie down to a long-term deal. His current contract expires in the summer of 2029, and improved terms might be on the cards if his dominant displays continue.
Ex-Man City defender hails Lacroix
Lacroix has been consistent throughout his time at Selhurst Park, and his reliability means there’s little focus on him. This was alluded to by Joleon Lescott, the former Manchester City defender, when he was asked about the Frenchman.
Lescott spoke highly of his playing style and what he brings to the dressing room:
“I think he’s got a lot of everything to be fair. He seems calm which is good. He’s capable of defending a variety of styles which is key. I’m a big fan because he goes unnoticed and I always think if you’re a defender and you’re going unnoticed you’re doing the right thing.”
Lacroix will be eager to end another season with a trophy, having been among the players in the famous 1-0 win over City in the FA Cup final. He has formed a fine partnership with Chris Richards and youngster Jaydee Canvot who has shown huge promise in his debut season.
Matthew Guyett is an editorial lead at Dave.Sport with over five years of experience in sports journalism. They have been featured in GiveMeSport and TheRealChamps, specializing in writing and editing.
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