Real Madrid Transfers: 3 affordable CBs to keep an eye on this summer

Wolfsburg CB Maxence Lacroix

I highlighted Maxence Lacroix as a player to watch back in November, and all he’s done since then is increase his reputation as the star man for one of Europe’s best defenses. Wolfsburg are in prime position to qualify for the Champions League next season, and the steel Lacroix has added to this team as a new addition has been a huge reason for this defensive success.

Like Zagadou, Lacroix is a 21-year-old French international. Unlike Zagadou, he does not have serious injury question marks and is currently having a highly productive season for a likely Champions League team next season.

Lacroix is still very underrated, though he is starting to attract interest from bigger clubs. In fact, Dortmund may be interested in the breakout star.

So far this season, Lacroix is averaging 1.6 tackles per game and 2.0 interceptions per game, according to WhoScored.com.

Although Lacroix is already a borderline world-class defensive presence at Wolfsburg in a highly attacking Bundesliga, he does need some work before he can be considered starting-level at Real Madrid. Specifically, Lacroix will need to work on his ball-playing ability, because it does not seem to be at the standard Real expects.

With Zagadou, the issue was injuries. With Lacroix, it is a passing accuracy hovering in the low 80’s and the need for some extra experience. You’d think, though, that a possible move to Marco Rose’s Dortmund could change things and lead to a Real move in a few years. Of course, by then, he would be much more expensive.