Jeremy Jacquet was called up to the French senior squad for the first time and impressed Zinedine Zidane in the 1-1 draw with Italy, with the Liverpool defender earning high praise
Jeremy Jacquet responded to Zinedine Zidane's praise after France's draw with Italy
Jeremy Jacquet responded to Zinedine Zidane's praise after France's draw with Italy
Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet was unable to conceal his delight after a French journalist revealed that Zinedine Zidane had lavished praise upon the Reds' center-back.
The 21-year-old was handed his first call-up to the French senior squad last month, and he has since caught the eye of the legendary manager against Belgium and during Friday's 1-1 draw with Italy in the Nations League.
"Very good. Very, very good," Zidane said when asked about Jacquet's display against Italy. "Brave. He wasn't afraid to come out a long way. Very good in the duels. He was, once again, very good. I said it four times."
His outing in the stalemate against Italy was only his second appearance for Les Bleus, coming just four days after his debut in a 1-0 victory over Belgium.
Michael Olise grabbed the headlines with goals on both occasions, yet Jacquet could arguably be considered France's standout performer across both fixtures.
Upon learning of Zidane's glowing assessment, Jacquet broke into a broad grin. The 21-year-old expressed that he was 'very happy' to receive such acclaim, given Zidane's stature as both a player and his considerable reputation as a manager.
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)
“I’m really happy, we know the kind of player he was, and we also know the coach he was at Real,” he said.
“Naturally, receiving congratulations from him makes me very happy. As for my relationship with him, it’s excellent; he speaks to me whenever he wants or feels like giving me instructions, so everything is going well.”
L'Equipe, renowned for its notoriously stringent player ratings, described the Liverpool defender as 'dazzling' in his showing against the Italians. Jacquet registered two interceptions, two clearances, two recoveries, won four duels and completed 79 of 80 passes, yet it was the eye test that provided the most promising indication for onlookers.
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His tenacity enabled France to regain possession further up the field and maintain relentless pressure on Italy, with both Zidane and Andoni Iraola keen to deploy a high-risk, high-reward pressing approach.
"It was an instruction from the coach," Jacquet disclosed after the final whistle. "He asked me to press very high up the pitch and not look behind me. I was just following that instruction."
When quizzed on his feelings following his breakthrough into the French squad, he responded: "I'm quite happy. I don't feel any pressure. I'm just playing my football."
The summer recruit Jacquet has swiftly cemented his place alongside Virgil van Dijk this season, featuring in every Premier League fixture from the start.