LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet in the line-up before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Andoni Iraola believes Jeremy Jacquet is nearing full fitness after a delayed start to pre-season with Liverpool, with “no issues” after the win over Atletico Madrid.
Jacquet has joined Liverpool as an immediate first-choice starter alongside Virgil van Dijk, but the Frenchman faced a setback in his fitness in pre-season.
Having recovered from shoulder surgery, the youngster had to be managed carefully through sessions before making his first appearance in the friendly victory over Como.
He has since started every game so far this season and is expected to keep his place when Liverpool host Fulham on Saturday, with Iraola confident in his fitness.
“He is still building,” the head coach told reporters including the Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle.
“The first games, he couldn’t finish. Against Ipswich, he finished but he was very tired.
“I was very happy the other night because he finished and he had no issues and was fresh. He finished quite strong.
“He is building his physical condition after a lot of months without playing.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With Ronald Araujo filling in impressively at right-back, Jacquet is effectively Liverpool’s only other fit option to partner Van Dijk at centre-back.
But there is no disputing the 21-year-old’s place in the side regardless, as he has been one of Iraola’s standout performers.
“He is a player that we knew about his qualities. He is confident on the ball, he is aggressive without the ball,” the Spaniard continued.
“He is quick and mentality-wise, you can see he is hungry to win things, to play minutes.
“Obviously I am very happy with him.”
How Jacquet’s stats compare among Liverpool squad
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Jacquet tops Liverpool’s stat charts for interceptions (1.9 per 90) in this season’s Premier League, while he is behind only Van Dijk for accurate passes (72.2) and long balls (3.8).
Alexis Mac Allister is the only player ahead of Jacquet for tackles (2.7) and line-breaking passes (16.7), with the defender also third for clearances (3.4) behind Van Dijk and Araujo.
Given the disappointment at the manner of Ibrahima Konate’s exit to Real Madrid, it is a major positive that Jacquet has been able to step into the breach and meet the standard immediately.
Still only 21, he should only improve even further in the seasons to come as part of Liverpool’s core of youthful centre-backs along with Giovanni Leoni, 19, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, and Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18.
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Nottingham Forest FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Atlético Madrid – MD-1
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during a training session at Anfield ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)