Liverpool replaced Ibrahima Konate with Jeremy Jacquet during the summer, with Andoni Iraola's new young center-back impressing in his early weeks alongside Virgil van Dijk
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool training session.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
It is easy, because Liverpool agreed a deal worth around $83 million (£60 million) for Jeremy Jacquet in January, to overlook the fact that he was a summer signing for Andoni Iraola.
And the early signs from the young Frenchman have been very positive, with the 21-year-old slotting in straight away alongside Virgil van Dijk. So far, he has looked like a ready-made center-back as much as one who should be a star of the future.
Speaking to reporters after Liverpool won at Everton last season, Van Dijk's previous partner, Ibrahima Konate, made it sound like an agreement for him to stay was almost in place.
A few weeks later, however, it was revealed that he would actually be leaving for nothing. Joining Real Madrid, it was a blow for Liverpool to lose an experienced player as a free agent.
In reality, though, the Reds are yet to really feel the impact of losing Konate, because Jacquet has been so strong in his opening few games.
It appears clear already that Jacquet is stronger on the ball than Konate, and while he doesn't have anything like the same experience at the top level, he certainly didn't look out of place against Atletico Madrid earlier this week.
Jeremy Jacquet of Liverpool
Jeremy Jacquet of Liverpool(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Jacquet has won 18 of the 25 duels he has contested in the Premier League to date, with only Everton's James Tarkowski having a higher success rate among players who have competed in 20 or more. He is also fifth among central defenders for line-breaking passes into the final third.
Moving forward, in addition to Jacquet, there are high hopes for Giovanni Leoni, who should soon return to training following an ACL injury, and Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye were involved in the senior side's pre-season too.
But Jacquet is by far the most complete of the center-back options available to Andoni Iraola, and while he still needs more time to prove himself at the very top level, he has passed every test to date.
"For any center-back to play alongside Virgil is a lesson and a masterclass," Iraola said after Jacquet's impressive performance at Portman Road against Ipswich.
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"Jeremy played his first full game. Physically, he could not finish the first two games.
"There was a moment in the second half when I had a doubt, but I think he has to suffer and go through those periods. He finished the game well and will slowly keep building fitness."
That was a reminder, of course, that Jacquet still has work to do. Equally, Konate, it should not be downplayed, won the Premier League with Liverpool, and reached the Champions League final.
It is possible, though, that Liverpool might eventually — sooner rather than later, even — have an upgrade. After spending $83M on Jacquet, it should not be a surprise that he has gone straight into the team — but how seamless it has looked has been impressive.