Zinedine Zidane’s four word Jeremy Jacquet verdict speaks volumes about Liverpool’s masterstroke
When Ibrahima Konaté completed his high-profile move to Real Madrid, anxiety naturally rippled across Merseyside. Replacing a battle-tested central defender usually demands years of patient recalibration or staggering transfer fees.
However, Liverpool’s sporting hierarchy quietly executed a long-term masterstroke, securing Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais for £60m before immediately navigating a tricky shoulder injury that delayed his initial integration.
Fast forward to the present day, and those early fitness concerns look like distant memories. The 21-year-old defender has adapted seamlessly to Andoni Iraola’s relentless tactical demands, quickly morphing from a promising prospect into arguably Liverpool’s standout player of the campaign alongside Virgil van Dijk.
That rapid progression reached new heights during the current international window. Having already earned his maiden senior France cap in a 1-0 victory over Belgium, Jacquet retained his starting spot for Friday night’s UEFA Nations League clash against Italy in Paris.
While France head coach Zinedine Zidane rotated his options earlier in the week, he selected Jacquet alongside first-choice centre-back Dayot Upamecano for the high-stakes encounter against the Azzurri. Even after Upamecano received a second-half red card, Jacquet stepped up with remarkable maturity to anchor Les Bleus' defensive line during a tense 1-1 draw against Italy.
French news outlets RMC Sport and Footmercato both awarded the Liverpool man a 7/10 match rating. Furthermore, journalists highlighted his proactive defending, noting that he "frequently pushed up high" to stifle Italian attacks, dominated aerial duels, and executed several "crucial interventions" including a pivotal block to divert a powerful Davide Frattesi strike.
Beyond his raw physical capabilities, Jacquet’s progressive distribution truly caught the eye. Throughout the 90 minutes, he attempted several ambitious forward passes, remaining consistently accurate and remarkably composed under heavy Italian pressure.
Speaking after the final whistle, Zidane offered a glowing endorsement that speaks volumes about Jacquet's astronomical ceiling.
"Very good. Very, very good. Brave. Not afraid to come way out. Very good in the duel. He was once again very good," Zidane declared.
Consequently, Zidane's glowing review underlines why Liverpool's recruitment team acted so decisively to seal his signature. At just 21 years of age, Jacquet possesses every physical and technical attribute needed to anchor the Reds' backline for the next decade.
With Upamecano now suspended for Monday's return fixture against Belgium, Jacquet stands on the verge of making his third consecutive start for his country. For Liverpool supporters, watching their young defender command the international stage provides absolute proof that the club has found a special talent whose ceiling remains limitless.
Today's best reads
Iraola, Isak, and Jacquet shortlisted as Liverpool dominate September award lists
Liverpool international Watch: Szoboszlai vs Mamardashvili in Nations League battle
Ranked: Liverpool’s 5 best players so far this season as surprise names step up
Jeremy Jacquet is quietly matching a peak Virgil van Dijk milestone at Liverpool
"He has every attribute" Van Dijk singles out Liverpool teammate for greatness
