Jeremy Jacquet isn’t just a Liverpool prospect anymore, he’s a full-blown international force after stunning performances for France that have World Cup winners absolutely raving. This kid, who had a sharp, composed start to life at Anfield, just took his game to the next level on the global stage, and France noticed in a huge way. His two strong displays during the international break pushed him into a different league entirely. The biggest moment, without a doubt, came at the legendary Stade de France against Italy. Talk about pressure, right? Whether it’s your first cap or your fiftieth, that stadium exposes defenders fast, but Jacquet handled it like a seasoned vet. No fuss, no panic, no wasted movement. He defended properly, read danger early, and here’s the kicker for the modern game, he used the ball with serious authority.
Jacquet’s Passing Range Is Straight Up Dominant
That final point, the way Jacquet uses the ball, is what everyone’s talking about. This guy doesn’t just boot the ball clear and hope for the best. He sees passes others don’t, and he’s got the technique to execute them, no problem. For a young centre-back, that changes everything. It speeds up attacks, breaks down opponents’ pressure, and drags them out of shape. Former World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti summed it up perfectly when he was talking about the Liverpool defender for RMC Sport. He said, “He’s a defender, he wins his duels, he’s very clean. Of course, I loved making passes, breaking lines… I saw him do it, try things, and it’s rare these days to find defenders like that. The priority when you’re a defender is to defend well, and he did it very well. It’s great to see. I find him quite well-rounded for his second cap. He’s young, he brings a fresh perspective, and it will be good to have this competition because Saliba will be back at some point, and Konate too.” It’s one thing to look good with time, but to defend first and still play through lines under pressure? That’s what separates the good from the great, and Jacquet appears able to do both. Liverpool fans have seen flashes of it in his first seven senior appearances, and now France has seen it too.
World Cup Winners Raving About Van Dijk Partnership
The praise didn’t stop there. Another World Cup winner, Petit, made an even bigger claim. He said, “I really liked his game, which only confirms what I’ve thought of him since the start of the Premier League season. He’s the one who brings out the best in Van Dijk, not the other way around. He’s a player who isn’t afraid of one-on-one situations, who reads the game very well, and who knows how to anticipate. Above all, there’s something I find very important when you work as a duo, and that’s the understanding you have with your teammate. And I have the impression that they’ve been playing together for 3-4 years now.” That might sound exaggerated, but the main point is spot on. Jacquet has settled incredibly quickly next to Virgil van Dijk. He doesn’t look overwhelmed by the responsibility at all. If anything, he looks like he thrives off the pace and intensity around him.
This kid is for real, folks. With Saliba and Konate coming back, the competition for spots is gonna be fierce, but Jacquet has already shown he can handle it. He’s not just holding his own next to Van Dijk, he’s apparently making the captain even better. That kind of chemistry? That’s the stuff that can really shape a season. Liverpool’s got something special here, and watching Jacquet continue to grow is gonna be appointment viewing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply