Liverpool's £60m Gamble on Jeremy Jacquet Pays Off as Defender Shines

Liverpool's £60m summer signing Jeremy Jacquet has started every Premier League and Champions League game this season, keeping four clean sheets and earning a France debut under Zinedine Zidane. The 21-year-old centre-back has quickly become one of the first names on the teamsheet at Anfield.

Deal: Jeremy Jacquet joined Liverpool from Rennes for £60m in the summer.
Impact: Started every Premier League and Champions League game, playing 956 minutes – more than any Liverpool player bar Alisson (990).
Defensive stats: Four clean sheets in the Premier League, 15 interceptions (fourth in the top flight), 10 blocks (fourth), and 19 tackles (most among Liverpool team-mates).
International: Made his France debut under Zinedine Zidane after a call-up earlier this month.
Next match: Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

What was said

"Very good. Very, very good. Brave. He wasn't afraid to come out a long way. Very good in the duels. He was, once again, very good. I said it four times."
— Zinedine Zidane, France manager, on Jacquet's performance against Italy

"Our relationship is good. It's getting better every day that we work together. That's what I said from day one. It takes games especially but also training sessions and conversations off the pitch. There's good moments and not, but it's how we react and help each other and you can see the partnership coming along. 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."
— Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool captain, on his partnership with Jacquet

Zidane's glowing assessment of Jacquet's France debut highlights the rapid rise of the 21-year-old, who only made 36 appearances in Ligue 1 before his move. Van Dijk's comments underline the growing understanding between the experienced Dutchman and his young partner, with the Liverpool captain insisting Jacquet is far from his peak.

The numbers

956 minutes played – second only to Alisson (990) in the Liverpool squad this season.
4 clean sheets in the Premier League.
15 interceptions – fourth in the Premier League.
10 blocks – fourth in the Premier League.
19 tackles – more than any other Liverpool player.
£60m – the fee Liverpool paid Rennes for Jacquet.

Deal details

Liverpool signed Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth £60m over the summer. The move raised eyebrows at the time, given the defender had made only 36 appearances in France's Ligue 1. Chelsea were also keen on Jacquet and rated him highly internally at Stamford Bridge, but he chose the Reds. Liverpool had accelerated their push for him in January, though Rennes were unwilling to sanction a mid-season move. The deal was completed in the summer.

Injury and availability

Jacquet has overcome a difficult period with injuries. He sustained a broken shoulder in February and a knee problem in the summer, which meant he did not play a minute of Liverpool's summer tour to the United States. He made his debut in a pre-season friendly against Como, scoring at Anfield just a week before the Premier League started. He has since built up his fitness and is no longer being substituted early in games as he was in his first few appearances.

Why Jacquet has become indispensable for Liverpool

When Liverpool missed out on Leny Yoro in 2024 – with the Frenchman joining Manchester United from Lille – they turned their attention to another French centre-back in Jacquet, then at Rennes. That decision looks increasingly shrewd. On Sunday, as Yoro made a calamitous error in United's defeat to Bournemouth, Jacquet delivered another assured performance against Brighton. The ease with which he has adapted to Premier League and Champions League football has impressed senior figures at Anfield, including Liverpool great Alan Hansen, who was watching from the stands.

Jacquet's statistical output – fourth in the Premier League for interceptions and blocks, and more tackles than any Liverpool team-mate – illustrates a defender who is both proactive and aggressive. His ability to step out and intercept, as well as his willingness to engage in duels, has allowed Liverpool to defend higher up the pitch. The partnership with Van Dijk and Ronald Araujo has provided a solid foundation, and Jacquet's comfort in possession – he played more accurate passes and successful final-third passes than any other player in the first half against Newcastle – adds another dimension to Liverpool's build-up.

Off the pitch, Jacquet is settling well. He lives in Liverpool and spends time with fellow youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, and is taking English lessons alongside Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo. Those at the AXA Training Centre describe him as mature and confident, traits that are reflected in his composed performances on the field.

Talking points

Should Liverpool have moved for Leny Yoro instead? Jacquet's instant impact suggests they got the better deal, but Yoro's potential remains high.
Is Jacquet already Liverpool's most important defender? His minutes and stats say yes, but Van Dijk's leadership remains crucial.
Does Chelsea's loss highlight a wider scouting failure at Stamford Bridge? They rated Jacquet highly but failed to act.
Can Jacquet maintain this level? His injury history is a concern, but his adaptation has been seamless.

What happens next

Liverpool host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, with Jacquet expected to feature against the club that also coveted him. The match offers another chance for the defender to demonstrate why Liverpool's £60m investment is already paying off. After that, Liverpool return to Premier League action as they aim to build on their solid defensive record.

Frequently asked questions

How much did Liverpool pay for Jeremy Jacquet?

Liverpool signed Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for £60m in the summer.

Has Jeremy Jacquet played every game for Liverpool this season?

Yes, Jacquet has started every Premier League and Champions League game for Liverpool this season, playing 956 minutes – more than any player bar Alisson.