Szoboszlai calls Jacquet 'Best' after Liverpool's 2-1 comeback win at Brentford

Dominik Szoboszlai has praised Liverpool centre-back Jeremy Jacquet following the Reds' 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford on Saturday. Jacquet delivered another commanding defensive display, winning 10 duels as Liverpool recovered from a half-time deficit to secure all three points on the road.

  • Match: Brentford 1-2 Liverpool, Premier League
  • Goals: Keane Lewis-Potter (44') for Brentford; Alexander Isak and Victor Munoz for Liverpool
  • Red cards: Yehor Yarmolyuk (Brentford) for a headbutt on Jacquet; Vitaly Janelt (Brentford) in stoppage time
  • Key performer: Jeremy Jacquet — 10 duels won, 4 clearances, 4 interceptions, 2 recoveries, 2 successful tackles, 72 touches, 39 accurate passes
  • Context: Liverpool returned to winning ways in the league after a difficult spell

The numbers

Jacquet's defensive statistics underline his influence at the heart of Liverpool's back line. The Frenchman was involved in almost every aspect of the game.

  • Duels won: 10
  • Clearances: 4
  • Interceptions: 4
  • Recoveries: 2
  • Successful tackles: 2
  • Touches: 72
  • Accurate passes: 39

Those numbers reflect a centre-back who is not merely defending his own box but also stepping out to snuff out danger and begin attacks. His 72 touches show he was heavily involved in Liverpool's build-up play.

What was said

"Best"

— Dominik Szoboszlai, commenting on Jeremy Jacquet's Instagram post

Szoboszlai's one-word verdict on Jacquet's Instagram post may be brief, but it carries weight. The midfielder, a senior figure in the Liverpool dressing room, publicly acknowledged the defender's performance after the win, highlighting the respect Jacquet commands among his teammates.

Jacquet's own social media message was equally telling: "Fight and win. See you Tuesday at Anfield." It showed a player already turning his attention to the next challenge and embracing the expectation that comes with playing for Liverpool.

Analysis: Why Jacquet is now undroppable for Liverpool

Jeremy Jacquet has made the right centre-back position his own since arriving from Rennes for £60 million. The 21-year-old has adapted seamlessly to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, forming a partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool's defence. His positioning and defensive contributions have been outstanding, and his form has forced the more experienced Ronald Araujo to play at right-back.

Against Brentford, Jacquet's duel-winning ability was crucial in a match that threatened to slip away before half-time. Liverpool failed to register a shot on target in the opening period and fell behind to Keane Lewis-Potter's 44th-minute goal. The game turned when Yehor Yarmolyuk was sent off for a headbutt on Jacquet from a corner, handing Liverpool a numerical advantage.

After the break, the Reds dominated. Alexander Isak and Victor Munoz scored the goals that completed the comeback, and Brentford finished with nine men after Vitaly Janelt's stoppage-time dismissal. But it was Jacquet's defensive solidity that provided the platform for Liverpool's second-half surge.

His rise has been rapid. Jacquet made his full France debut under head coach Zinedine Zidane during the Nations League group stage, having been called up after injuries to several centre-backs. His quality suggests he would have made the squad regardless. Now, with Liverpool, he has put himself firmly in the spotlight, and his undroppable status is a testament to his consistent excellence.

Talking points

  • Should Jacquet be considered Liverpool's most important defender already, ahead of Van Dijk?
  • Does Araujo's deployment at right-back represent a waste of his talents, or is it a necessary compromise?
  • Was Brentford's collapse down to Liverpool's quality or their own indiscipline?
  • Can Jacquet maintain this level and become a mainstay for France under Zidane?

What happens next

Liverpool return to action on Tuesday at Anfield, as referenced by Jacquet's Instagram post. The Reds will look to build on the Brentford win and continue their climb up the Premier League table. With Jacquet in this form, his place in the starting XI is secure, and Liverpool's defensive solidity will be key to their ambitions this season.

Frequently asked questions

What did Szoboszlai say about Jacquet after the Brentford win?

Szoboszlai commented "Best" on Jacquet's Instagram post, praising the defender's performance in Liverpool's 2-1 victory.

How many duels did Jeremy Jacquet win against Brentford?

Jacquet won 10 duels, along with four clearances, four interceptions, two recoveries and two successful tackles.

Why was Yehor Yarmolyuk sent off against Liverpool?

Yarmolyuk was shown a red card for a headbutt on Jeremy Jacquet from a corner just before half-time.

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