France manager Zinedine Zidane has praised Jeremy Jacquet and revealed a connection to the defender that could benefit Liverpool.
France have significantly refreshed their national team setup since the World Cup, hiring Zinedine Zidane to replace Didier Deschamps as the figure of their new era.
One of the manager’s first selection choices has been to call up Jacquet for the first time, meaning the Liverpool youngster should make his debut for the senior team during the upcoming international break.
“I like him. I like his profile a lot,” Zidane said of the 21-year-old centre-half.
“He’s a player I’ve followed for a long time because he played with my son in the youth teams.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Jacquet played alongside Zidane’s youngest son, Elyaz, at U17, U18, U19 and U20 level for France, and the pair formed a strong defensive partnership.
Zidane Sr. added: “I’ve followed him for a very long time and today, quite naturally after what he has done and what he is currently doing, he is joining the France team.
“He has a good profile.”
Jeremy Jacquet coached by ex-Liverpool winger
During his time with the U19s and U20s, Jacquet was coached by former Liverpool winger Bernard Diomede, who won the World Cup with France in 1998.
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Sunday, August 2, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field. Leeds won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Diomede has now been promoted to Zidane’s staff, which should be a positive in aiding the transition to the first team.
Not that we expect it to be a problem for Jacquet; he has taken to Premier League football like a duck to water so international football should be a breeze.
With Diomede having coached the youngster and Zidane having watched him, it should benefit Liverpool to have management who knows him when he goes away to France.
And we expect him to do that regularly now.
Les Bleus have been searching for the right defender to partner William Saliba at the back.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ibrahima Konate was a regular starter, but last season’s form saw him dropped and replaced by Dayot Upamecano for the World Cup.
Maxence Lacroix is another option, but if Jacquet’s early performances at Liverpool are anything to go by, he will surpass his competitors quickly.
France have four fixtures in 11 days, so there should be a chance for him to get on the pitch even if he is not yet first-choice.
International Duty
France: UEFA Nations League Fixtures
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Date Opposition Venue Kick-off (BST)
Fri, Sep 25 Turkiye Away 7.45pm
Mon, Sep 28 Belgium Away 7.45pm
Fri, Oct 2 Italy Home 7.45pm
Mon, Oct 5 Belgium Home 7.45pm
Wirtz, Klopp, Iraola circle collage
Wirtz, Klopp, Iraola circle collage
iraolapressconference
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool FI
Bournemouth vs. Liverpool FI