Zinedine Zidane hails Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet after standout France bow | OneFootball

Zinedine Zidane has lauded Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet after the 21-year-old’s eye-catching start with France.

According to Goal.com, the £60 million summer signing made his senior bow on Monday, helping a 1-0 away win and clean sheet against Belgium. He kept his place for Zidane’s first home game, a 1-1 draw with Italy.

Michael Olise’s superb free-kick put France ahead before a deflected Alessandro Bastoni effort levelled it. Jacquet impressed, commanding the back line, winning four duels, making key recoveries and completing 79 of his 80 passes.

Zidane said Jacquet was very good, highlighted his bravery in stepping out to defend and his strength in duels, and underlined the point repeatedly.

Jacquet called the step up “Better than I imagined,” adding that training alongside elite teammates has been a pleasure and that he is enjoying every moment.

He explained that pressing high without looking back was a clear instruction from the coach, and that he felt no pressure, simply playing his football.

At Liverpool, Andoni Iraola has paired him with Virgil van Dijk, and he has started six of the first seven matches since joining from Rennes.

France conclude the break by welcoming Belgium next Monday, when Jacquet will hope to claim a third straight cap. Liverpool then host Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on 11 October, and he will be tasked with keeping Erling Haaland quiet as Andoni Iraola’s side aim to be the first this season to take points off Enzo Maresca’s embattled team.

Source: Goal.com

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