Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Jeremy Jacquet’s reputation as one of the best young defenders around was already quickly growing after he made a flawless start to his career with Liverpool.
But after putting in two excellent performances for France during the ongoing international break, the secret is now completely out: Jacquet is a sensation both in his homeland and in England.
Playing at the Stade de France for the first time, his display against Italy on Friday was his biggest moment yet, and there has been a huge amount of praise for Jacquet in France on the back of it, including from World Cup winning former centre-back Samuel Umtiti, who has highlighted his ability to deliver inch-perfect line-breaking passes.
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Samuel Umtiti impressed by Jacquet’s passing
Jacquet‘s ability on the ball is arguably what makes him stand out as a centre-back, and Liverpool fans have already seen this in full effect across his opening seven appearances with the Reds.
On Friday, Umtiti saw it too, speaking to RMC Sport after the draw against Italy to praise what he sees as a ‘rare’ attribute from Liverpool’s No. 5.
“He’s a defender, he wins his duels, he’s very clean,” said the former Barcelona defender. “Of course, I loved making passes, breaking lines… I saw him do it, try things, and it’s rare these days to find defenders like that. The priority when you’re a defender is to defend well, and he did it very well. It’s great to see.
“I find him quite well-rounded for his second cap. He’s young, he brings a fresh perspective, and it will be good to have this competition because Saliba will be back at some point, and Konate too.”
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Jacquet told he is improving Virgil van Dijk
Another World Cup winner, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit, also praised Jacquet, claiming that the Frenchman is actually improving Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool, rather than the other way around.
“I really liked his game, which only confirms what I’ve thought of him since the start of the Premier League season,” Petit said.
“He’s the one who brings out the best in Van Dijk, not the other way around. He’s a player who isn’t afraid of one-on-one situations, who reads the game very well, and who knows how to anticipate
“Above all, there’s something I find very important when you work as a duo, and that’s the understanding you have with your teammate. And I have the impression that they’ve been playing together for 3-4 years now.”
Although rumours are beginning that Van Dijk could leave Liverpool at the end of his contract next summer, Reds fans will be hoping that this is a partnership which could have a few years in it yet. Learning alongside the Dutch master, Jacquet genuinely could be the next great centre-back of world football.
Photo By Irina R. H./Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo By Irina R. H./Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool DP
Liverpool DP