Liverpool receive 'undisputed' Jacquet message after impressive France debut

News

Matthew Judge | Editor

Liverpool have been told it is “easy to see why” Jeremy Jacquet has become “an undisputed starter” for them following his successful debut for France.

Jacquet made his first appearance for the senior side on Monday, helping Les Bleus keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League.

The result comes after the 21-year-old centre-back produced a series of impressive displays for Liverpool in the lead up to the international break.

Jacquet helped the Reds keep Premier League shutouts against Ipswich Town, Fulham and Bournemouth, earning the Player of the Match award in the latter.

And now RMC Sport has praised the youngster for catching the eye alongside defensive partner Maxence Lacroix in France’s win at Belgium.

Earning a score of seven out of 10, the French outlet said of Jacquet: “A successful debut for the France national team for the 21-year-old defender.

“He demonstrated his high-quality distribution and composure, while also making some promising forward runs.

“He also made a crucial recovery during a Belgian counter-attack early in the second half. It is easy to see why he is an undisputed starter for Liverpool.”

Jacquet impressed for Liverpool before the international break

Jacquet will hope to remain in the heart of defence when France continue their Nations League campaign with a home clash against Italy on Friday.

Zinedine Zidane’s side will then host Belgium next Monday before Jacquet returns to Liverpool for the Premier League encounter with Manchester City on Sunday, 11 October.

The Merseysiders officially confirmed the signing of Jacquet from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a package worth up to €69million (£60m) in July.

Despite making just 37 appearances in the French top flight, for Rennes and Clermont Foot respectively, Jacquet has been quick to adapt to the rigours of English football.

He has already built up promising relationships with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and fellow new signing Ronald Araujo in defence.

However, Van Dijk has urged calm over the performances of Jacquet, reminding Liverpool supporters he still has a long way to go in his development.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the win at Bournemouth, Van Dijk said: "I want him (Jacquet) to keep working and keep learning. I am sure he will.

“There is obviously a lot of praise and rightly so, but I know how it works when you play a game not at the standards you have set. So let's just stay calm, keep working, and try to stay important for us.

“It [the partnership between us] is still a work in progress. There are still things we can improve but you learn by playing games.

“I said at the start that you experience things in games and see how each other react to certain moments, and then you adapt to that.

“So far, it is good. He is 21 years old and very promising, but it is up to him to keep working hard and staying calm.

“It's a big credit to him how he started his Liverpool career, but we are in September. Hopefully there are years of his Liverpool career left.”

Related stories:

Wrexham’s €40m bid rejected: Lyon star snubs ‘Hollywood fairytale’

Trent Alexander-Arnold is destined to return to Liverpool

Transfer Rumours: Chelsea reignite shock pursuit as Jules Kounde decision made