Chelsea told why summer signing is struggling with Xabi Alonso tactics

Carragher believes Lacroix’s strengths lie solely in playing in a three-man defence, pointing out the ex-Wolfsburg centre-half’s struggles when Chelsea switch shape.

Speaking on Sky Sports show the Overlap’s fan debate, Carragher commented: “I look at the signing of Maxence Lacroix, and I really liked him at Crystal Palace in a back three.

“But I was watching (Chelsea) against Tottenham and in other games this season, and I was seeing him pressing man-to-man, and everyone was jumping out, and he just didn’t look comfortable to me, or mobile enough to be in a back four and jumping out of man-to-man marking and jumping out to James Maddison.”

Chelsea attacking firepower has been well documented, with Alonso’s men scoring 25 goals in 10 games - blanking for the first time against Tottenham as they lost 2-0.

However, the Blues’ frailties at the back have led many to question their ability to compete for trophies this season. Chelsea have recorded just one clean sheet this term - against League One Luton Town in the Carabao Cup - and conceded 18 goals, averaging two per game.

Carragher feels that Chelsea’s defence still hasn’t been sorted despite the addition of Lacroix, with the Liverpool legend stating that the Blues need to find a defender to build around.

He continued: “It just feels to me when I look at the defenders, I think I’ve said this a lot, if you look at every defender, they’re the same, six out of ten, seven out of ten.

“There’s still not got that somebody you build your defence around or who can hold it all together. It just looks very average.”