Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet enhanced his reputation as he helped France to another victory on his international debut against Belgium, but Bradley Barcola's hunt for a goal continues
Jeremy JACQUET of France and Charles DE KETELAERE of Belgium during UEFA Nations League match between Belgium and France at Stade Roi Baudouin on September 28, 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet challenges Charles De Ketelaere in France's Nations League game against Belgium(Image: Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet’s stock continues to rise after being handed his international debut, with the Liverpool defender managing to leave Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne frustrated.
The 21-year-old was handed his first cap for France as he was named in Zinedine Zidane’s starting lineup for the Nations League encounter against Belgium in Brussels. Jacquet was one of nine changes made following the win over Turkey on Friday, with Bradley Barcola also starting as the visitors won 1-0.
Jacquet found himself the busier of the two Reds early on, with Belgium threatening to take the lead as former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne in particular rolled back the years and looked bright.
Jacquet though showed the composure that has made him a success during the early stages of his Liverpool career, and he certainly did his reputation no harm as he came away with a clean sheet on his international debut.
France’s resolute defense clearly had an impact on De Bruyne, who picked up a yellow card in the second half as his frustrations got the better of him, with the 35-year-old being substituted shortly after by new Belgium boss Mark van Bommel.
Jacquet’s latest milestone comes as Premier League legend Thierry Henry has given him his backing, having been impressed by what he’s seen so far from the former Rennes youngster.
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“People told me that he has always been seen as ‘the guy’, but it doesn’t always work that way,” Henry told Betway.
“Many times I’ve seen players who were ‘the guy’ at that age turn out not to be the guy, while sometimes it does go the other way.
“You can see that he already understands what he needs to do, especially in the physical part of the game. It also helps if you play alongside Virgil [van Dijk]. But am I surprised with him dealing with the level of expectation? No, not really, because he was always in that situation in the youth system in France.”
While Jacquet will be happy with his night, Barcola may be feeling a little disappointed as his wait for a goal or assist this season goes on.
France's forward #12 Bradley Barcola runs with the ball during the UEFA Nations League Group A1 football match between Belgium and France at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on September 28, 2026. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola impressed Liverpool fans with his pace during France's game against Belgium(Image: Getty Images)
It wasn’t for a want of trying though, with the 24-year-old sending a reminder to Liverpool fans of what he can offer as he showed off his searing pace - and he will feel he should have earned France a penalty.
Midway through the first half, Barcola picked the ball up on the halfway line and proceeded to nutmeg a Belgian defender before racing away into the penalty area.
Once there, he saw his appeals for a penalty turned down as Nathan Ngoy looked to have barged into him, sending the Liverpool forward tumbling to the ground and in disbelief at the failure of the referee to point to the spot.
Barcola made way in the 77th minute of the game, with his replacement Michael Olise going on to strike the winner as France continued its perfect start to its Nations League campaign.