Jérémy Jacquet has quickly got the world talking this season, with his performances also earning recognition from the France national team.
The 21-year-old has made a strong impression since arriving at Anfield from Rennes, showing composure beyond his years while establishing himself as an important option in Liverpool’s defence.
His displays have not gone unnoticed away from club level either, with Jacquet receiving his first senior France call-up and subsequently being handed his international debut during the latest Nations League fixtures.
The defender started France’s 1-0 victory over Belgium before retaining his place for the meeting with Italy, completing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
Those performances have only added to the excitement surrounding Jacquet, with France boss Zinedine Zidane among those to have been particularly impressed by the youngster.
“Very good. Very, very good. Brave,” Zidane said after Jacquet’s performance.
“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.”
Zidane had previously explained his admiration for the Liverpool defender, revealing that he had followed his progress for some time.
“I like his profile a lot,” he said. “He’s a player I’ve been following for a very long time because he played with my son in the youth teams.
“Naturally, with what he’s doing, he joins the France team. He’s an excellent profile.”
Jacquet’s development has been particularly interesting given that he began his career as a midfielder before eventually moving into central defence at Rennes.
Now at Liverpool, the Frenchman is beginning to establish himself at the highest level and has already shown why the club were so keen to secure his services.
However, while Jacquet is now creating his own path in professional football, there was another player who played a significant role in inspiring him during his childhood.
Speaking to Téléfoot, relayed by Get French Football News, the Liverpool defender was asked about his footballing role model.
“Paul Pogba has always been my role model, and he still is,” Jacquet revealed.
“I used to watch him all the time.”
The revelation is an interesting one given Pogba’s strong association with Liverpool’s fierce Premier League rivals Manchester United.
For a player now wearing the famous red of Liverpool, having a former United star as his childhood inspiration adds another intriguing layer to Jacquet’s story but it makes sense given that both players are French and the way Jacquet began his career operating in the middle of the pitch.
Pogba’s influence on Jacquet also highlights the impact that some of the game’s biggest names can have on the next generation, with the Liverpool youngster now beginning to create his own journey at the very highest level.
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