Jeremy Jacquet was handed his first senior call-up ahead of the 2026 UEFA Nations League games.
Image Credits: Imago Images
At just 21, Jeremy Jacquet has already shown enough to suggest he can become one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs.
Jacquet produced a superb all-round performance in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth before the September/October international break.
The Reds remain unbeaten under Andoni Iraola after seven matches in all competitions, with Jacquet helping to calm any concerns with a series of assured performances alongside Virgil van Dijk.
The France U21 international was handed his first senior call-up for the UEFA Nations League and remained on the bench during France’s 1-0 win over Turkiye last Friday.
However, Jacquet made his senior debut on Monday night as France faced Belgium. The defender played the full 90 minutes as Zinedine Zidane’s side secured a 1-0 win over the Red Devils.
France created the first chance through Esteban Lepaul, who was teed up by Desiré Doue but failed to test Lammens in goal.
Doue then came agonisingly close to opening the scoring after slicing through the Belgian defence, only to see his effort hit the woodwork. Lepaul had another opportunity from close range but was again denied by the Manchester United goalkeeper.
Belgium almost took the lead shortly afterwards when Kevin De Bruyne looked for Charles De Ketelaere, but Da Cunha intercepted the Napoli midfielder’s cross.
France continued to dominate, with Maghnes Akliouche testing Lammens from distance before Lepaul saw another effort saved from a tight angle.
Lammens then turned the ball into a dangerous area, with Kalulu coming close to scoring before Lavia cleared the ball off the line.
France continued to create chances after the break. Doué fired narrowly wide, while Lepaul came close with a header from Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola’s cross.
Da Cunha then struck the post from distance before Doue was denied again by Lammens. The rebound fell to Lepaul, who failed to find the target.
Belgium also had opportunities, with Moreira shooting wide and Lukebakio forcing a save from Mike Maignan. The hosts grew into the game during the final half-hour, with Godts firing into the side netting from a tight angle.
France pushed for a winner late on, with Olise almost finding Cherki with a cross before De Cuyper made an excellent intervention. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute through Olise.
The Bayern Munich playmaker controlled the ball brilliantly with his shoulder in his own half before carrying it forward and calmly finding the bottom corner. It was a stunning goal that sealed a second consecutive victory for Zidane at the start of his reign as France boss.
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