Liverpool's gamble on defender Jeremy Jacquet is proving astute

Liverpool's significant investment in young defender Jeremy Jacquet over the summer is yielding impressive results, with the 21-year-old quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the team's defense. His seamless adaptation to the Premier League and Champions League has surprised many within the club, especially given his recent injury struggles.

Jacquet has started every league and European match since joining Liverpool, accumulating 956 minutes on the pitch, second only to goalkeeper Alisson. This consistent presence came after a challenging period recovering from a broken shoulder in February and a subsequent knee problem, which limited his pre-season preparation and saw him miss the team's tour of the United States.

His debut in a friendly against Como, where he scored, was followed by an immediate first-team call-up for the Premier League opener against Newcastle United. Despite the daunting prospect of facing a tough opponent at St. James' Park, Jacquet delivered an assured performance, leading the team in accurate passes and successful final-third passes in the first half.

While a loss to Manchester City served as a reminder of the challenges ahead, Jacquet has largely excelled. His defensive capabilities were particularly evident against Brentford and Brighton, drawing comparisons to French defensive great Marcel Desailly. Statistically, he ranks highly among Premier League defenders for interceptions and blocks, and leads his Liverpool teammates in tackles.

His strong performances for Liverpool earned him a call-up to the French national team under Zinedine Zidane, who lauded his debut performance as "very good" and "brave."

Liverpool secured Jacquet's signature despite strong interest from Chelsea, who had also been tracking the defender. The transfer, reportedly worth £60 million, was completed after Liverpool accelerated their pursuit in January, though Rennes initially resisted a mid-season move. At the time of his transfer, some questioned the fee for a player with limited top-flight experience in France's Ligue 1, but his early form suggests a wise investment.

Jacquet is also committed to settling in off the pitch, participating in English lessons alongside other young players. He is known to be mature and confident, forging a good working relationship with experienced teammates like Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk, who cost more than Jacquet, acknowledged the developing partnership: "He's doing very well. Let's see where the ceiling will be. I don't think he's there yet so let's keep going."