A few months after arriving at Liverpool from Rennes, the 21-year-old is earning Premier League recognition and now receiving glowing praise from one of French football’s greatest ever figures.

After impressing on his France debut in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Belgium, Jacquet retained his place for Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Italy at the Stade de France.

Once again, he looked remarkably comfortable at senior international level. 

France boss Zinedine Zidane could hardly have been more emphatic afterwards.

“Very good. Very, very good. Brave,” Zidane said. “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 numbers explain the enthusiasm. Against Italy, Jacquet completed 79 of his 80 passes, made eight defensive contributions, registered two interceptions and two clearances, recovered possession twice and won four duels. It was the type of front-foot performance increasingly becoming his trademark. 

That aggressive positioning was no accident. Jacquet explained that he had been instructed to push high up the pitch and concentrate on carrying out Zidane’s demands rather than worrying about the space behind him. It says plenty about the trust already being placed in a defender with just two senior international appearances.

Perhaps more striking is Jacquet’s apparent lack of nerves. Discussing his emergence with France, he told reporters that he was taking his development slowly and refusing to put unnecessary pressure on himself. 

His first senior camp has surpassed his expectations too.

“Better than I imagined,” Jacquet 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.” 

Teammates are noticing. Maxence Lacroix praised Jacquet’s maturity and the standards he displays on a daily basis, describing his progress at such a young age as a major positive for France.

It is another significant chapter in a career accelerating at frightening speed. Liverpool agreed their deal for Jacquet in early 2026 before he officially moved from Rennes in July.

He departed his boyhood club having made 33 senior appearances, alongside valuable experience on loan with Clermont Foot. Liverpool’s deal was reported at around £60million. 

He has wasted little time justifying that investment. Jacquet was ever-present for Liverpool before this international break and earned a nomination for September’s Premier League Player of the Month. 

Even before handing him his first cap, Zidane revealed he had followed Jacquet for years because the defender had played alongside one of his sons at youth level, calling him “an excellent profile.” 

Two France starts later, that admiration has only intensified. For Liverpool fans, perhaps the most exciting thing is how ordinary Jacquet is making all of this look.

Premier League football, an Anfield move carrying a huge price tag, a first France call-up and now Zidane publicly singing his praises, the pressure should be enormous.

Jacquet, though, appears determined to treat it exactly as he says he does: just playing his football.

What would you rate Jérémy Jacquet's performances so far this season for club and country? Leave your thoughts and comments below.