Jeremy Jacquet shines for France as Liverpool star earns French media plaudits
Jeremy Jacquet delivered another commanding display for France in Friday night's 1-1 Nations League draw with Italy at the Stade de France. The Liverpool centre-back completed 100% of his passes and drew praise from Ouest-France and Le Figaro Sport.
- Match: France 1-1 Italy, Nations League, Friday 2 October 2026, Stade de France
- Jacquet's role: Started at centre-back alongside Dayot Upamecano; finished alongside Maxence Lacroix
- Key stat: 100% pass accuracy, 4 duels won, 2 recoveries, 2 clearances, 2 interceptions
- Media verdict: Ouest-France praised his 'excellent reading' of the game; Le Figaro Sport said he was 'a step ahead' in duels
- What's next: France host Belgium in their final Nations League match, with Upamecano suspended
What was said
"After a successful debut in Belgium, there was great anticipation to see him play again. He lived up to expectations, displaying an excellent reading of the game and remarkable aggression in pressing the Italians far away from his goal. His timely deflection prevented Frattesi from opening the scoring."
"Always a step ahead in duels thanks to his long limbs. The Liverpool player scored points in his second appearance in the national team jersey."
Ouest-France highlighted Jacquet's positional intelligence and his aggressive pressing high up the pitch, while Le Figaro Sport focused on his physical attributes and ability to read duels before they develop. Both publications treated his performance as further evidence that the 21-year-old belongs at international level.
The timing of the praise is significant. Jacquet only made his senior France debut against Belgium last week, yet he has already established himself as a player the French media expect to see in the starting XI. Zinedine Zidane's decision to select him again, even with William Saliba and Ibrahima Konate injured, looks increasingly like a statement of intent rather than a temporary measure.
The numbers
- 100% pass accuracy against Italy
- 4 duels won
- 2 recoveries
- 2 clearances
- 2 interceptions
- 1 occasion on which possession was lost
The stat line is remarkably clean for a centre-back in a match that became chaotic after Upamecano's dismissal. Jacquet's passing accuracy and low turnover count show a defender who prioritises security in possession, while his duel and interception numbers demonstrate that he was not merely a passive presence. For a player adapting to a new international environment, the balance between caution and aggression is close to ideal.
Injury and availability
- William Saliba: Absent for France through injury
- Ibrahima Konate: Absent for France through injury
- Dayot Upamecano: Sent off against Italy after two yellow cards; suspended for the Belgium match
- Jeremy Jacquet: Available and expected to start against Belgium
The injuries to Saliba and Konate opened the door for Jacquet, and he has taken full advantage. Upamecano's suspension now guarantees that Jacquet will keep his place for the final Nations League fixture, with Maxence Lacroix of Chelsea likely to partner him in central defence.
Why Jacquet is already undroppable for Liverpool
Jeremy Jacquet arrived at Liverpool from Rennes for £60 million this summer and has made the right centre-back position his own. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk has been a standout feature of the early season, and the Frenchman's international form only strengthens the case for him to keep his place regardless of fixtures or rotation.
At 21, Jacquet offers a blend of recovery pace and aerial presence that complements Van Dijk's reading of the game. The willingness to press high — noted by Ouest-France — also fits modern defensive trends, allowing Liverpool to squeeze the pitch and win the ball back quickly. His passing accuracy for France suggests he can handle the demands of building from the back under pressure.
Zidane's decision to pair Jacquet with different partners — first Upamecano, then Lacroix — shows that the defender can adapt to different styles of centre-back partner. That flexibility is a rare commodity at international level and will only increase his value to both club and country.
Talking points
- Should Jacquet start for France even when Saliba and Konate are fully fit, or is his current run merely a result of injuries?
- Is £60 million starting to look like a bargain for a 21-year-old centre-back already performing at this level for club and country?
- Does Upamecano's suspension give Jacquet a chance to cement a long-term starting spot alongside a different partner?
- Can Liverpool afford to rotate Jacquet during a congested fixture list, or has he become undroppable at club level too?
What happens next
France host Belgium in their final Nations League match before the international break concludes. With Upamecano suspended, Jacquet is expected to start again, likely alongside Chelsea's Maxence Lacroix. A strong performance would strengthen his case for a permanent starting role when Saliba and Konate return, and would send him back to Liverpool in peak condition for the Premier League restart.
Frequently asked questions
Did Jeremy Jacquet play for France against Italy?
Yes, Jacquet started at centre-back alongside Dayot Upamecano and played the full match as France drew 1-1 with Italy at the Stade de France on Friday night. He finished the game alongside Maxence Lacroix after Upamecano was sent off.
What were Jeremy Jacquet's stats for France vs Italy?
Jacquet completed 100% of his passes, won 4 duels, made 2 recoveries, 2 clearances and 2 interceptions, and lost possession only once.
Will Jeremy Jacquet play for France against Belgium?
Jacquet is expected to start against Belgium in France's final Nations League match. With Dayot Upamecano suspended after his red card against Italy, Jacquet is likely to partner Chelsea's Maxence Lacroix in central defence.
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