Jeremy Jacquet was a standout performer for France in its 1-1 Nations League draw with Italy on Friday, with the Liverpool defender earning high praise from both the French and Italian media
France's defender #22 Jeremy Jacquet controls the ball during the UEFA Nations League, league A day 3: Group 1, football match between France and Italy at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on October 2, 2026. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet impressed once again for France against Italy(Image: Getty Images)
Completing the entire 90 minutes of a prestigious international match against Italy and excelling in just your second appearance demonstrates exceptional ability.
Jeremy Jacquet achieved this on Friday during France's 1-1 Nations League stalemate at Stade de France, with his performance made all the more remarkable given he overshadowed his considerably more seasoned center-back partner - Dayot Upamecano - throughout the contest.
A stroke of brilliance from Michael Olise put France ahead in the 55th minute via an exquisite free-kick. However, Italy drew level when Alessandro Bastoni found the net 13 minutes afterwards, and Upamecano's late dismissal prevented Zinedine Zidane from securing his third consecutive victory as manager.
Zidane had selected a mixture of players from his opening two matches in charge. Jacquet retained his position following an outstanding clean sheet during his international bow against Belgium on Monday.
The Liverpool youngster, who joined from Stade Rennais during the summer for a substantial fee, delivered an even stronger display on this occasion, with both French and Italian press lavishing acclaim upon the 21-year-old defender.
L'Equipe, renowned for its stringent ratings system, awarded him a highly respectable 7/10. This made Jacquet the joint top-rated French player alongside goalscorer Olise, reports the Liverpool Echo.
PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 02: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy competes for the ball with Jeremy Jacquet of France during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between France and Italy at Stade de France on October 02, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa - FIGC/FIGC via Getty Images)
Jeremy Jacquet wrestles with Alessandro Bastoni during France's draw with Italy(Image: Getty Images)
Get French Football News similarly granted him a 7/10 and praised his maturity. It noted that "Les Bleus could always rely on Jacquet to snuff out the danger," before adding: "The Liverpool centre-back looks very much at ease in France's back-line.
"He's as much able to clear the danger as he is to pick up a line-breaking pass with an incisive move. He was so close to what would have been a stunning goal line clearance to prevent Bastoni from restoring parity."
Eurosport France, meanwhile, rated his "monstrous" display at 7.5/10, praising his leadership qualities, ability on the ball and proactive defending. The publication wrote: "It's extremely rare to see a central defender at this level after just two caps. Jacquet played like a true leader, relentlessly pressing the Italians right up to their own penalty area.
Content Image
Content Image
"Hyper-aggressive, the former Rennes player prevented the Azzurri from imposing their rhythm and allowed Les Bleus to win back possession in crucial areas. His pinpoint pass to Ousmane Dembele (27th minute) demonstrated his immense confidence, and his ball distribution was often a model of conviction."
Maxifoot, meanwhile, also awarded a 7.5/10 rating. The outlet said: "What a performance! Already excellent against Belgium, the centre-back displayed impressive composure once again.
"Very aggressive in his clearances, often extremely high up the pitch to support the French press, the former Rennes player was also impeccable when defending his penalty area. A crucial intervention to deflect Davide Frattesi's very dangerous shot just before half-time. Powerful, clean, and authoritative, the Liverpool player continues to impress."
Even Italian publication Corriere dello Sport echoed this view with a 7/10 rating, describing the Reds defender's performance as a "gigantic match."