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Wolfsburg CB Maxence Lacroix

Maxence Lacroix isn’t a name linked to Real Madrid often. When you hear about center backs Real could potentially sign in the coming years, you mostly hear about Upamecano, Kounde, Badiashile, Pau Torres, and Eric Garcia. But VfL Wolfsburg’s Lacroix is a new name to watch out for, since he’s having a breakout season in the Bundesliga at the age of 20.

Lacroix’s numbers are seriously impressive. He is averaging 2.4 interceptions per game, 1.4 tackles per match, 1.1 blocks, and 5.7 clearances. The man is on another level athletically, and he really snaps into tackles. Despite his age, Lacroix has absolutely been one of the best players on the team and is indispensible. Only John Brooks and Wout Weghorst have played more minutes.

What makes Lacroix’s emergence so exciting is that this is his first season in the top flight. Before he joined the Bundesliga and Wolfsburg this season, he was playing in Ligue 2 for Sochaux. And it’s taken him no time to assert himself as a star player in Germany.

Lacroix is still feeling out the game as a player in a top five league, but he might be the Bundesliga’s best rookie right now. He and Brooks are a huge part of Wolsburg’s elite defending this season, and Lacroix’s performances have absolutely caught the eye of Bundesliga’s fans.

So don’t neglect him when discussing the best young center backs in Europe. Lacroix has made goal-saving plays, intelligent interceptions, and clearance after clearance for his organized, tenacious side.