Exclusive: “Already The Best Player…” – French Journalist On Liverpool Bound ‘Leader’ | OneFootball

By Dan Clubbe

Liverpool look to have won the race to sign Stade Rennais central defender Jeremy Jacquet ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea, with the 20-year-old youth international reportedly heading to Merseyside for a medical on deadline day. 

The Reds looked to be behind in the pursuit at many stages, with the well-trodden path of Ligue 1 to Stamford Bridge seemingly the youngster’s preference; however, it now appears as though Anfield has won out havign offered the same terms as the London club. 

Arriving for around the £55m mark with add-ons, Jacquet is clearly regarded as one of the brightest talents around Europe and has already earned five under-21 caps, having played at various youth levels under manager and former Liverpool winger Bernard Diomede. 

To find out more about the upcoming summer arrival, Dan spoke to French journalist Julien Lechevestrier…

On his strengths: “Jerémy Jacquet is a young defender, but he is already the best player for the Stade Rennais. He is very quick and he has a good reading of the game. He is a leader. Stade Rennais has a history of being a very good team for future stars. Some examples? Sylvain Wiltord, Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué.”

On his weaknesses: “One of his weaknesses is that sometimes, he can be too easy in his plays, and he had some games where he has cost some goals. But over the years and with more experience, I think Jacquet will overcome this.”

On his development: “Last year, Stade Rennais decided to make a loan to Clermont-Ferrand. But after six months (he was very good in Ligue 2), they decided a return to Rennes (who struggled in the last places in Ligue 1) and even paid one million euros to Clermont!”

Potential: “It’s clear Jacquet has a high potential. I can compare Jacquet to a new Saliba. You have your new Van Dijk for the years to come. He will have to adapt to the PL, but yes, Jacquet is made for the toughest league in the world.”

World Cup chances: “It will be very difficult for him to get a spot for the next World Cup for France. Didier Deschamps likes the player who plays European competitions, and Rennes is not playing in Europe this year. He has a small chance, but maybe if one tof he french defender got injured.”

On staying in France: “Rennes is very happy to keep him for the next few months before the summer, with a place in the Europa League as a goal. I think the supporters prefer to see him in Red rather than in Blue in Chelsea. €70m will be the biggest transfer for Rennes after Doku to City.”

Having already made 18 Ligue 1 appearances this term, it’s certainly going to be a worthwhile stay in France for Jacquet, whilst the young defender continues his development, whilst also preparing for a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world…