Jacquet Shines: Liverpool's Young Defender Proving His Worth
No outfield player at Liverpool has clocked more minutes than Jeremy Jacquet this season, and it’s easy to see why.
After Sunday’s match, where the Reds secured their fourth clean sheet against Brighton, Jacquet took to Instagram with a caption that resonated: "Trust in the process, trust in the plan." That pretty much sums up the journey of the 21-year-old since his £60 million move to Liverpool last summer.
There was a moment when Liverpool could have pursued another French talent, Leny Yoro, but in the process, they discovered Jacquet, who was showcasing his skills at Rennes. While Yoro may have chosen Manchester United, the contrast was stark as Jacquet delivered another solid performance, while Yoro made a notable mistake in United's defeat to Bournemouth.
Liverpool legend Alan Hansen must have been pleased with Jacquet’s display at Anfield. He’s been a constant presence in the Premier League and Champions League, starting every match and racking up 956 minutes on the pitch—second only to goalkeeper Alisson.
What makes this feat even more impressive is Jacquet’s recent history with injuries. After suffering a broken shoulder in February and a knee issue over the summer, he missed Liverpool’s U.S. tour and only made his debut in a pre-season match against Como, where he even found the net.
With Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid opening a spot in defense, Jacquet stepped up when called upon, making his Premier League debut at St James’ Park against Newcastle. Despite an early setback, he showcased his ability to distribute the ball effectively, outperforming his teammates in passing accuracy.
A tough loss to Manchester City served as a reminder of the challenges he faces, but Jacquet has continued to impress. His ability to handle Brentford's Igor Thiago was particularly noteworthy, and his unique style—donning short sleeves and gloves—evoked comparisons to French football legend Marcel Desailly.
In the Premier League, Jacquet boasts four clean sheets and ranks highly in interceptions, blocks, and tackles, leading his teammates in the latter category. His performance has not gone unnoticed, and a call-up to the French national team was a natural progression. Zinedine Zidane praised Jacquet after his debut against Italy, noting his courage and proficiency in duels.
Liverpool fans are gearing up for a special midweek clash as Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield with Chelsea for the Carabao Cup. It's intriguing to think that Jacquet could have been in blue had Chelsea ramped up their interest earlier.
Initially, Liverpool's decision to sign him raised eyebrows, considering he had just 36 appearances in Ligue 1. But with Richard Hughes’s faith and Rennes' initial reluctance to let him go, the move materialized on deadline day. Journalist Julien Laurens remarked then that Jacquet has the potential to be one of the best center-backs of his generation.
Fast forward to now, and it’s clear Liverpool has secured a real diamond. Jacquet is part of a group of young players at Anfield, taking English lessons and fitting in seamlessly with his peers. He’s known for his maturity and confidence both on and off the pitch, aided by the experience of veterans like Virgil van Dijk.
Their partnership is blossoming, as Van Dijk noted: "Our relationship is good and getting better. It takes games, training, and conversations off the pitch. He’s doing really well, and I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling yet."
Jacquet is carving out a significant role for himself at Liverpool, and fans can’t wait to see where this journey takes him.
