Liverpool’s gamble on 21‑year‑old centre‑back Jeremy Jacquet is already paying dividends, as the Frenchman has become the club’s most‑used outfield player this season. After a £60 million move from Rennes in January, Jacquet has started every Premier League and Champions League match, racking up 956 minutes – the most of any Liverpool player except the goalkeeper – and has delivered a string of solid performances that have earned him praise from the club’s hierarchy and the national team.
Jacquet’s arrival came at a crucial time for Anfield. With Ibrahima Konaté’s departure to Real Madrid and injury troubles for Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, the Reds needed a reliable partner for Virgil van Dijk and Ronald Araujo. The Frenchman made his debut in a pre‑season friendly against Como, scoring a goal before the start of the league, and was handed his first Premier League start in a 2‑1 defeat to Newcastle. Despite conceding early, he showed composure, accurate passing and a willingness to challenge, attributes that have since become hallmarks of his game. A subsequent 2‑1 loss to Manchester City highlighted the high level of competition, but Jacquet’s performances against Brighton, Brentford and other top teams have consistently earned him clean sheets and high defensive statistics.
Statistically, Jacquet has been a standout. He has kept four clean sheets in the Premier League, ranks fourth in interceptions (15) and blocks (10), and has made more tackles (19) than any of his Liverpool teammates. His defensive solidity has attracted attention from France, where he earned a call‑up under Zinedine Zidane and made his debut against Italy. Zidane praised the young defender, describing him as “very good, very, very good” and noting his bravery and duel performance.
The club’s decision to sign Jacquet over other French prospects, notably Leny Yoro, has been vindicated. Yoro’s move to Manchester United ended in a 2‑1 defeat to Bournemouth, while Jacquet’s consistency at Anfield has already made him a key figure in Liverpool’s defensive line. Van Dijk has spoken publicly about the positive relationship between the two, highlighting their growing partnership and the potential for Jacquet to reach even higher levels.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, a match that could see Jacquet’s role further solidified. With a strong start to the campaign and a growing reputation both domestically and internationally, the 21‑year‑old is poised to continue his rapid development and may soon be in contention for the club’s Young Player of the Year award.