Jeremy Jacquet has only been at Liverpool for a matter of months, but it already looks like the young defender is making a serious impression.
And now we know that Zinedine Zidane has been watching him for years.
The legendary Frenchman, who has just taken charge of the France national team, included Jacquet in his first squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Speaking about the Liverpool centre-back, Zidane revealed that his interest in Jacquet goes back much further than his impressive start at Anfield.
“I like his profile a lot. I’ve followed him for a long time because he played alongside my son in the youth teams.”
That is some endorsement.
Jacquet played alongside Zidane’s son, Elyaz, at youth level, meaning the new France boss has had the opportunity to watch his development long before the 21-year-old made the move to the Premier League.
And judging by Zidane’s comments, Jacquet has clearly remained on his radar.
Jacquet has made a fast start at Liverpool
The defender arrived at Liverpool from Rennes during the summer and has quickly been thrown into the action by Andoni Iraola.
Rather than looking overwhelmed by the step up to the Premier League, Jacquet has already shown plenty of composure alongside Virgil van Dijk.
His performance against Fulham was another particularly encouraging display, with the young Frenchman one of Liverpool’s better performers during a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Liverpool’s official profile of Jacquet also highlighted his impressive aerial numbers from last season, while the defender has previously spoken about studying Van Dijk’s game closely.
Now he has the chance to learn from another legendary figure in Zidane.
This is massive for Jacquet
Getting your first senior France call-up at just 21 is a huge moment.
And it is particularly interesting that Zidane didn’t simply describe Jacquet as a player who deserved selection.
He specifically spoke about liking his profile and revealed that he has followed him for a long time.
That suggests this isn’t simply a case of Jacquet benefiting from a good few months at Liverpool.
Zidane already knew about him.
Now the France boss gets the opportunity to work with him directly and see how he fits into his plans.
Jacquet is joined in the France squad by Liverpool teammate Bradley Barcola, while Zidane has also brought several other new faces into his first squad as he begins building towards Euro 2028.
Liverpool fans should be excited
It is still very early in Jacquet’s Liverpool career, and there will inevitably be difficult moments as he adapts to English football.
But there is already plenty to like.
He’s 21. He’s playing regularly. He’s learning alongside Van Dijk. And now he’s been called up by France under Zinedine Zidane.
Not a bad start at all.
Liverpool supporters will be hoping this is only the beginning of what could become a very impressive career at Anfield.
And hearing Zidane say that he has been following Jacquet since his youth-team days only makes the whole story even more interesting.
The Liverpool signing who arrived with plenty of potential is now getting noticed by one of the greatest French footballers of all time.
And that can only be a good thing for Jacquet.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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