Jody Morris has questioned Chelsea's £52million move for Maxence Lacroix, arguing the defender's displays for France at the World Cup were not up to the required standard for the Blues.
Morris unimpressed by Lacroix's World Cup showings
Lacroix informed Crystal Palace of his desire to leave last season and Chelsea quickly wrapped up a deal for the 26-year-old, who is expected to sign a six-year contract. The centre-back helped Palace win the FA Cup, Europa Conference League and Community Shield during a trophy-laden two-year spell.
However, Morris felt Lacroix's performances at the World Cup left a lot to be desired, particularly in France's bronze final defeat to England where they conceded six goals.
'I thought Lacroix did great for Crystal Palace last year in a back three, but playing for Palace and Chelsea are two different things,' Morris told BOYLE Sports. 'I didn't think he played well for France. I was telling my friends that I would be interested to see how he does in a back four, because I've only ever seen him in a three.'
'He had a very poor game against Spain and I didn't think he was great against England either, where they conceded six goals.'
Morris urges Chelsea to sell Enzo Fernandez
Turning to potential outgoings, Morris encouraged Chelsea to cash in on Enzo Fernandez if the midfielder continues to push for a move. Fernandez has repeatedly cast doubt on his future while flirting with Real Madrid, leading to a two-match ban in April for comments.
Chelsea are reportedly reluctant to sell unless they receive an offer of £120m. Morris argued that if a player does not want to be at the club, they should be allowed to leave – but not cheaply.
'If people aren't wanting to pay the money for a player, then he stays,' Morris said. 'Enzo Fernandez is one of the few who would get pass marks last year for Chelsea, there weren't many at all.'
'But I have always been the same, if someone doesn't want to be at a football club, then let them go. Letting them go doesn't mean letting them go for cheap.'
Morris suggested Fernandez's World Cup showing could allow Chelsea to 'claw back' a large part of the £107m they spent on him in 2023. 'The value might be there after the World Cup he had,' he added. 'It might be the best opportunity to try and claw back as much of the fee we shelled out as possible.'
