Liverpool star Jeremy Jacquet has received his first senior call-up for the France national team, with head coach Zinedine Zidane making some key changes
Zinedine ZIDANE head coach of France during press conference of the french football federation
Zinedine Zidane called up Jeremy Jacquet to the national team squad(Image: (Photo by Ewen Gavet/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
New France head coach Zinedine Zidane has been full of praise for Liverpool star Jeremy Jacquet, with the defender receiving his first call-up to the senior national team.
The 21-year-old officially made the switch to the Reds this summer, after a deal was agreed with Rennes in the winter market, as he joined with the aim of stamping his mark on a regular position in the backline.
Alongside Virgil van Dijk, the young defender has made quite the impression. There have been some impressive displays, with Liverpool particularly indebted to him for some heroics during the clash with Fulham in the Premier League, where he had to make some key interceptions to earn the team a point.
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Considering his performances already in the Premier League, many supporters are excited by the fact that Jacquet can get even better, with the potential to develop further.
It's no surprise that following such a start, the centre-back has received a call-up to the France national team squad for the first time, after playing through the youth ranks.
With a new manager in place in the form of Zidane, a new era of Les Bleus will kick off with Jacquet being a fresh presence in the backline.
The head coach was asked about the decision to call up the youngster, and revealed a surprising link to the Liverpool ace in the process.
Jeremy Jacquet of Liverpool gestures during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur
Jeremy Jacquet is set for a France call-up(Image: (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))
He said in his press conference: "I like him. I like his profile a lot. He’s a player I’ve followed for a long time because he played with my son in the youth teams.
“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.”
Having played alongside Zidane's eldest son, Elyaz, in the youth ranks from under-17s to under-20s level may have helped his chances, it's his ability on the pitch for Liverpool that has done all of the talking.
The next thought for the defender will be when he could make his debut for the side. There are tough clashes coming up against the likes of Turkiye, Italy, and a double-header against Belgium, giving the youngster a chance to test himself at the very highest level once again.
There will be competition for places, however. Dayot Upamecano, Pierre Kalulu, Jules Kounde, Maxence Lacroix, and Ibrahima Konate are all set to challenge Jacquet for a space in the defence, setting up an interesting challenge ahead.
With four games in such a quick turnaround, a chance is likely to come for the Liverpool star. It's just a matter of whether he can take it or not.