Liverpool’s New £60m Signing Jeremy Jacquet Impresses Early On
Liverpool invested £60 million in Jeremy Jacquet with some risks due to his youth and limited experience. After just seven appearances, he is showing signs that the gamble might pay off.
According to Andy Jones from The Athletic, Jacquet joined Liverpool after battling through physical setbacks including a shoulder injury and a minor knee issue. He had been out of action for 190 days prior to Liverpool's final pre-season match against Como. At only 21 years old and with just 57 senior matches under his belt, many expected a period of adjustment.
Seamless Fit in Andoni Iraola’s System
Jacquet has quickly adapted to the demands of manager Andoni Iraola. His performance during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth highlighted his strengths. He intercepted plays near his own goal, pushed forward to involve teammates like Bradley Barcola and Alexander Isak, and then immediately disrupted another attack, helping create further chances.
This aggressive defending suits Iraola’s style where centre-backs must step out to engage attackers and keep the team compact, enabling a high press. Jacquet’s duel success rate in the Premier League is 76.3%, second only to Everton’s James Tarkowski among defenders with over 300 minutes played. His aerial duel success rate is similarly impressive at 76.9%.
Van Dijk Urges Patience
"He has had an excellent start, but we are only in September," said Virgil van Dijk after the Bournemouth win. "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."
Iraola also noted Jacquet’s physical progression. Initially, Jacquet struggled with the Premier League pace, often finishing games exhausted and needing substitutions. Recently, though, he has looked more solid physically and able to last full matches.
Passing Skills Boost Liverpool’s Build-Up Play
One of Jacquet’s most interesting traits is his ability to turn defense into attack. Unlike Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool’s previous defender, Jacquet excels at advancing play after winning possession. He has already completed 57 passes into the final third, ranking third among Premier League defenders, along with 76 line-breaking passes, the sixth-highest figure.
This mix of strength, anticipation, and progressive passing explains why France’s national team, led by Zinedine Zidane, has fast-tracked him into their senior squad.
Analysis: A Promising Start
Watching Jacquet is exciting because he shows qualities that often take years to develop in young centre-backs. Against Bournemouth, tasked with protecting a narrow lead on the road, he defended assertively and stayed composed. Importantly, he kept looking forward to create chances once Liverpool regained the ball.
This forward-thinking approach could prove vital. With Van Dijk’s long passing and Jacquet’s ability to break lines, Liverpool’s build-up becomes less predictable. Opponents can’t focus on one centre-back alone.
The partnership with right-back Ronald Araujo is worth watching as well. Liverpool has kept three straight Premier League clean sheets with Araujo playing right-back, limiting Ipswich, Fulham, and Bournemouth to expected goals below 0.80 in each game.
Most encouragingly, fans’ worries about the centre-back position have eased. Challenges lie ahead against Manchester City, Brentford, Brighton, and Arsenal after the international break, which will test Jacquet further.
For now, Liverpool’s £60 million outlay looks justified. Jacquet has started as if he plans to claim this role long-term.
