Jeremy Jacquet will not play for Liverpool until next season, but he is expected to make a significant impact when he joins the team.
Jacquet has attracted interest from many clubs. At just 20 years old, he is already showing potential as a top centre-back.
With a height of 6’4”, he has the strength to handle any striker, and his defensive talent has led to early comparisons with Virgil van Dijk.
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The Premier League has emphasized aerial play this season, and Liverpool has felt the effects. Van Dijk excels in this area, but Jacquet is not far behind, even though he has competed in a less challenging league.
According to OptaJoe, Jacquet ranks fifth in Europe for winning aerial duels at 75.5%, while Van Dijk is fourth with 77.3%.
Ibrahima Konate has also performed well in the air, but Liverpool’s issues with defending set pieces remain evident. They rank among the weakest teams in the Premier League in this aspect.
Jacquet may be a closer match for Konate than expected
Liverpool’s centre-back situation for next season is uncertain, especially regarding Konate’s future. If he leaves, Jacquet could step in faster than anticipated.
Although he has only played 31 senior matches, his time at Rennes suggests he is ready to advance his career.
Jacquet also brings additional skills with the ball compared to Konate, as he is comfortable playing from the back and advancing the ball. Even if Konate stays, there will be serious competition for that starting position.
Additionally, Giovanni Leoni is another player to watch. While Liverpool did not make many signings in the recent window, acquiring Jacquet was a smart move, and his arrival should generate excitement.