There is some excellent news for Liverpool supporters during the international break, with both Bradley Barcola and Jérémy Jacquet named in France’s starting XI for tonight’s Nations League showdown against Italy.
And this is no ordinary international fixture.
France travel to face Italy at the San Siro, with Zinedine Zidane selecting two Liverpool players from the start in a strong-looking side.
According to L’Équipe, the confirmed French line-up is:
France XI: Maignan; Gusto, Jacquet, Upamecano, Truffert; Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot; Olise, Doué, Barcola.
It is particularly encouraging to see both players involved from the beginning.
Jacquet gets another opportunity to impress
For me, Jérémy Jacquet is the player Liverpool supporters should be watching particularly closely.
The young defender has a massive opportunity to test himself against top international opposition, and partnering Dayot Upamecano in the heart of France’s defence will be a valuable experience.
Liverpool have high hopes for Jacquet, and these are exactly the sort of occasions that can help accelerate his development.
He has the physical qualities, composure and potential to become an important player at Anfield, but there is no substitute for gaining experience in demanding matches.
Facing Italy at the San Siro is certainly a serious examination.
I want to see him take his opportunity, defend confidently and show why Liverpool believe they have signed such an exciting prospect.
Barcola gets another chance to shine
Bradley Barcola also starts, and that is great news.
The French winger has plenty of quality, with his pace, direct running and ability to take on defenders making him a dangerous attacking option.
Liverpool need more consistency and creativity in the final third, and Barcola has the ability to provide both.
He will be playing alongside Michael Olise and Désiré Doué, with Rayan Cherki also in the starting midfield.
That is an exciting group of attacking players, and Barcola should have plenty of opportunities to cause Italy problems.
Hopefully, he can produce a strong performance, build his confidence and return to Liverpool in good form.
A big night for Liverpool’s French connection
There is always a concern during international breaks about injuries, particularly when Liverpool have important fixtures waiting on the other side.
The Reds face Manchester United at Anfield on November 22, so supporters will be hoping both players come through tonight’s game without any problems.
But we should also recognise the positives.
International experience is important, especially for younger players such as Jacquet. Playing alongside established international stars and competing against quality opposition can only benefit his development.
For Barcola, regular involvement with France is another opportunity to demonstrate his quality on a big stage.
My verdict? This is exactly what Liverpool supporters want to see – our players representing their country and getting valuable experience at the highest level.
I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on Jacquet tonight. He has the potential to become a very important defender for Liverpool, and performances like this will be another step in his development.
Good luck to both of them. Just make sure you come back to Anfield fit and ready for Manchester United!
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
### _Related_