Jeremy Jacquet scored on his Liverpool debut as the Reds beat Como 2-0 at Anfield in their final pre-season match. The 21-year-old, who joined from Stade Rennais in February, turned home Cody Gakpo's low cross from close range to cap a composed display.
Mellor praise for Jacquet
Former Liverpool forward Neil Mellor said Jacquet's performance was notable because he had not played since suffering a serious shoulder injury shortly after agreeing his move to Anfield. Speaking to LFCTV, Mellor said: "When you are looking at standout moments and positives from this game, certainly Jeremy Jacquet was one of those."
"The fact that we were waiting when he would make his first appearance for Liverpool? When will it be? Would it be in America? Which we thought it would be and it wasn't and the game against Monaco wasn't and we have had to wait until today."
"But what an accomplished performance it was from him. He just looked at home at the centre of that defence here at Anfield alongside Virgil van Dijk. Six months, six months without a game, without football and no matter who you are, that is not easy but he looked so accomplished."
Araujo's potential role
France Under-21 international Jacquet was replaced at half-time by another debutant, Ronald Araujo, who has joined on loan from Barcelona. Araujo accepted a wage cut to facilitate the move, and Liverpool have the option to sign him permanently next summer.
Mellor believes the Uruguay international could be used at right-back this season. "He looked comfortable and another new player who has come into the team," he said. "As good as he has been over there with Barcelona he has got to settle in now. Again, he was alongside Virgil van Dijk and he may at times be asked to play at right full-back, but what he needed to do he looked assured."
"He looked comfortable and he looked aggressive. I think the fans will like that as well, he dealt with situations nicely."
