Football Icon Praises Young Liverpool Star | OneFootball

Jeremy Jacquet’s France Breakthrough Offers Liverpool Fresh Encouragement

There are defenders who survive at the top level, and there are defenders who seem to belong there from the moment they arrive. Jeremy Jacquet, still only 21, is beginning to give that second impression. In the space of one international week, the Liverpool centre-back has moved from intriguing newcomer to a player attracting admiration at the highest level, after another composed display in France’s 1-1 draw with Italy.

For Liverpool, the significance lies in more than acclaim. Jacquet’s early weeks at Anfield have already suggested a defender of uncommon serenity, one comfortable with space behind him, secure in possession and authoritative in the moments that decide elite matches. His performance for France offered a clear continuation of that theme.

Zinedine Zidane Delivers Clear Jeremy Jacquet Verdict

The headline praise came from Zinedine Zidane, whose assessment was concise and emphatic. “Very good. Very, very good,” he said after Jacquet’s second start for France. He went further, describing a defender willing to defend on the front foot, to step out aggressively, and to trust both his reading of the game and his physical tools. “Brave. He wasn’t afraid to come out a long way. Very good in the duels. He was, once again, very good. I said it four times.”

It is easy to see why that profile appeals. France asked Jacquet to hold a high line and defend large spaces, a task that places unusual demands on anticipation and timing. Against Italy, he handled it with assurance. Michael Olise’s free-kick had put France ahead before Alessandro Bastoni’s effort, aided by a deflection, restored parity, but the defensive display of Jacquet remained one of the evening’s more important details.

France Performance Underlines Liverpool Promise

The numbers gave substance to the impression. Jacquet produced two interceptions, two clearances and two recoveries, won four duels and completed 79 of his 80 passes. That last figure matters. Modern central defenders are required to do more than repel danger. They must begin attacks, alter angles, and resist pressure with calm. Jacquet appears increasingly at ease with each of those responsibilities.

After the match, he reflected on his promotion to the senior France set-up with quiet satisfaction. “Better than I imagined,” he replied. “To train with all these great players, it’s just a great pleasure. I’m just trying to make the most of every moment.”

Photo: IMAGO

He also made clear that his assertive positioning was no accident. “It was an instruction from the coach. He asked me to press very high up the pitch and not look behind me. I was just following that instruction… I’m quite happy. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just playing my football.”

Andoni Iraola Could Have Defensive Cornerstone

That mindset will be especially pleasing to Andoni Iraola. Since Jacquet’s summer arrival in a deal worth up to £60 million, Liverpool’s head coach has trusted him quickly and consistently. He has started six of Liverpool’s seven matches and is already developing an understanding with Virgil van Dijk that hints at balance, one defender organising and marshalling, the other stepping in, covering ground and moving the ball forward.

The timing is useful. Liverpool’s schedule now sharpens, and Jacquet appears destined for a more searching examination when Manchester City visit Anfield on October 11. Any meeting with Erling Haaland is a test of strength, positioning and nerve.

For now, though, Liverpool can take comfort from something simpler. A young defender signed for a significant fee is already looking at home for club and country. That, in itself, is a powerful sign that Jacquet may become far more than a promising addition. He may become foundational.