Zidane hails Jacquet as 'very, very good' after Liverpool defender's second France start

Zinedine Zidane described Jeremy Jacquet as “very, very good” after the Liverpool centre-back produced another assured performance in France’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Friday, just days into his senior international career.

Jacquet, 21, made his France debut on Monday in a 1-0 win away to Belgium and retained his place in Zidane’s starting line-up for the home fixture against Italy. Michael Olise’s spectacular free-kick gave France the lead, but a deflected Alessandro Bastoni strike earned the visitors a draw — a result Zidane admitted disappointed him, even as he singled out his young defender for individual praise.

“Very good. Very, very good,” Zidane said of Jacquet. “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.”

The statistics backed up the manager’s assessment. Jacquet made two interceptions, two clearances and two recoveries, won four duels, and completed 79 of 80 passes against one of Europe’s more technically demanding sides.

Speaking after the final whistle, Jacquet reflected on a rapid transition to international football. “Better than I imagined,” he said. “To train with all these great players, it’s just a great pleasure. I’m just trying to make the most of every moment.”

On operating in a high defensive line under Zidane’s instructions, Jacquet added: “He asked me to press very high up the pitch and not look behind me. I was just following that instruction. I’m quite happy. I don’t feel any pressure. I’m just playing my football.”

The performances at international level mirror what Jacquet has shown since joining Liverpool from Rennes in a deal worth up to £60 million, agreed in January and completed this summer. Manager Andoni Iraola has started him in six of Liverpool’s seven league games, where he is building a promising central defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk.

After France host Belgium next Monday, Jacquet faces arguably his sternest club test of the season when Liverpool welcome Premier League leaders Manchester City to Anfield on 11 October — a fixture in which the hosts will look to become the first side to take points off Pep Guardiola’s team this campaign.