Jérémy Jacquet, 21, Already in Zidane's Sights for France

Zinédine Zidane is set to include Jérémy Jacquet in his first France squad, to be announced this Friday. The 21-year-old centre-back, recruited by Liverpool this summer for approximately €70 million from Rennes, is among the pre-selected players of the new manager, according to L’Équipe.

Jacquet is not the only new face expected at Clairefontaine on Monday. Esteban Lepaul, Andy Diouf and Lucas de Cunha could also make their first appearance in a France shirt during this inaugural gathering.

The young defender is impressing with the speed of his adaptation to English football. In the recent draw against Fulham (0-0), he was named his team’s best player, notably making a goal-line save in the 11th minute. His statistics testify to early maturity: 5 aerial duels won out of 5, 96% pass accuracy and 13 successful passes in the opposition’s final third. Anfield has already dedicated a personalised chant to him.

This rise has sparked flattering comparisons. Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge did not mince words in the Liverpool Echo: “From what I’ve seen of him, it’s a great piece of business. He’s a better player than Ibrahima Konaté. He’s certainly much better than Konaté at the same age.” The reference to the Real Madrid international may seem premature, but it illustrates the immediate impact of the player within the Reds’ squad.

In Jacquet’s circle, this swift integration is attributed to meticulous preparation work: housing search, nutritional monitoring, English lessons, familiarisation with the reserve squad — all measures undertaken as soon as the transfer was finalised this winter.

More cautious voices are not lacking, however. Grégory Vignal, former Liverpool defender, urges against rushing things. Recalling a match against Nottingham Forest where Jacquet had struggled more, he tempers expectations: “I think we need to let him progress steadily, without putting too much pressure on him.” Liverpool is also careful to manage his playing time in a defensive area where competition remains fierce.