Virgil van Dijk has told Jeremy Jacquet to keep his feet on the ground. It follows Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth, where Alexander Isak scored the only goal to end Bournemouth’s unbeaten home record. Jacquet was named Sky Sports player of the match. The Van Dijk Jacquet Liverpool partnership at the back has now delivered three clean sheets in a row.
Van Dijk praised the young defender after the game, but he also gave a clear warning. He wants Jacquet to stay grounded as the season goes on. The message came even as the defender’s reputation continues to rise both at club and international level.
Asked about Jacquet’s early impression at Liverpool, Van Dijk said: “He has had an excellent start, but we are only in September.” “I want him to keep working and keep learning. I am sure he will.” The praise came despite Jacquet’s strong display. It set the tone for a wider message: enjoy the moment, but do not get carried away.
Bournemouth Match Details and Official Quotes from Van Dijk
Isak scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool won 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium. It ended Bournemouth’s unbeaten home record for the season.
Our Bournemouth 0-1 Liverpool match report covers how Liverpool approached the trip to the south coast. Jacquet started in the starting lineup at Bournemouth and delivered the display that won him the Sky Sports award. Liverpool built the win on a disciplined defence, with Jacquet and Van Dijk marshalling the back line throughout.
Van Dijk praised Jacquet’s performance, but he was clear about the need for consistency. Speaking in comments carried by the Liverpool Echo report, he said: “There is obviously a lot of praise and rightly so, but I know how it works when you play a game not at the standards you have set. So let’s just stay calm, keep working, and try and stay important for us like he was today again.”
Clean Sheet Streak and Tactical Impact on Iraola’s Squad
Saturday’s clean sheet was Liverpool’s third in a row. It is their first run of three clean sheets since the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season. The result also ended Andoni Iraola’s unbeaten home record at Bournemouth.
It shows how well the Van Dijk Jacquet Liverpool defence is working together right now. The partnership has become the foundation of a much-improved defence this season. That solid platform has become something the whole team can lean on this season.
Van Dijk has also praised Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo, who has added strong depth to the defence this season. Turning to Araujo’s form, Van Dijk made his admiration clear: “He is a great player. I don’t think he was the captain of Barcelona for no reason.” Araujo joined on loan this summer and has settled in well as cover for the regular central defensive pairing.
Liverpool hold an option to sign the Uruguayan on a permanent deal for £47 million next summer. The arrangement gives the club time to assess Araujo before any permanent move is finalised. Our piece on Van Dijk’s view on recent signings has more on how the club’s summer business has shaped the defence.
France Call-Up and Upcoming International Timeline
Jacquet’s rise continued with a call-up to the senior France squad. Head coach Zinedine Zidane has picked the defender for Nations League games against Turkey, Italy and Belgium. The matches take him away from Anfield during the September international break. He is expected back at Liverpool for the club’s next Premier League fixture once the break ends.
Van Dijk has also settled his own international future during this window. He has confirmed he will continue as Netherlands captain after talks with head coach Xavi. On the call itself, he said: “Obviously it was a massive decision.”
Both players are due back at Liverpool once international duty ends. Van Dijk’s message to Jacquet before the break was simple: enjoy the praise, but keep delivering when the games come thick and fast.
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