Liverpool's £60m Signing Jeremy Jacquet Impresses in All Areas Early On
Liverpool took a calculated risk by spending £60 million on Jeremy Jacquet, aware that some projection was involved. Now, after just seven appearances, that gamble seems to be paying off.
Andy Jones of The Athletic reports that Jacquet joined Liverpool coming off a challenging stretch physically. A shoulder injury and a minor knee issue had kept him sidelined for 190 days before Liverpool’s final pre-season game against Como. At only 21 years old and with 57 senior appearances behind him, fans expected patience would be needed.
Instead, Jacquet quickly adapted to Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool side, showing comfort and confidence beyond his experience.
Jacquet Embodies Iraola’s Defensive Style
The 1-0 win at Bournemouth showcased Jacquet’s strengths perfectly. He intercepted an attack near Liverpool’s box, then pushed forward to set up Bradley Barcola, followed by a pass to Alexander Isak. Shortly after, he made another interception and helped craft a further chance.
His eagerness to challenge forwards fits Iraola’s system well. The centre-backs are expected to step out and pressure opponents, keeping Liverpool compact and enabling the high press. Jacquet appears naturally equipped for this role.
- Premier League duel success rate: 76.3%
- Aerial duel success rate: 76.9%
Among defenders with over 300 minutes played, only Everton’s James Tarkowski boasts a higher duel success rate.
Van Dijk Urges Caution Despite Strong Start
“He has had an excellent start, but we are only in September. I want him to keep working and learning. There is obviously a lot of praise, and rightly so, but I know how it works when you play a game that doesn’t meet the standards you have set. So let’s just stay calm and keep working,”Virgil van Dijk
Iraola also mentioned Jacquet’s physical growth adapting to the Premier League pace. Initially, Jacquet struggled with cramps and fatigue, forcing substitutions early on. Recently, though, he finished matches strong and appeared more physically settled.
Passing Skills Enhance Liverpool’s Build-Up Play
Jacquet’s ability to turn defense into attack stands out. Unlike Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool’s previous defender who sometimes lacked this quality, Jacquet frequently progresses the ball.
- Passes into final third: 57 (third among Premier League defenders)
- Line-breaking passes: 76 (sixth highest total)
This blend of physicality, anticipation, and passing ability is why France has already brought him into Zinedine Zidane’s senior national squad.
Early Signs Show More Than Just Survival
No one expects a 21-year-old centre-back to be perfect so soon. But with Konate gone to Real Madrid, Liverpool needed Jacquet to develop quickly. He is delivering much more than just steady performances.
Anfield Index points out that watching Jacquet is exciting because he shows traits young defenders usually take longer to display. Against Bournemouth, he managed the pressure of protecting a narrow lead away from home with aggression and composure, always looking to push forward after winning the ball.
This aspect could prove vital. While Van Dijk offers exceptional passing range, Jacquet provides another defender who breaks lines effectively. Opponents can’t simply target one centre-back to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up anymore.
His partnership with Ronald Araujo at right-back has coincided with three straight Premier League clean sheets, limiting Ipswich, Fulham, and Bournemouth to under 0.80 expected goals each match.
Perhaps most encouragingly, anxiety around Liverpool’s centre-back options has eased significantly.
Challenges remain—matches against Manchester City, Brentford, Brighton, and Arsenal loom after the international break and will offer a clearer picture.
For now, Liverpool’s £60 million investment in Jeremy Jacquet looks increasingly justified. He’s begun as if determined to claim his place firmly in the squad.
