Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet after the 21-year-old's 'very, very good' performance on his second start for France. Jacquet, who joined Liverpool in a deal worth up to £60million this summer, delivered a dominant display in Friday's 1-1 draw with Italy.
Zidane's Verdict
The former Real Madrid boss was delighted with Jacquet despite being disappointed with the outcome of his first home game in charge of France. "Very good. Very, very good," Zidane hailed. "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."
Jacquet's performance was backed by the numbers: two interceptions, two clearances, two recoveries, four duels won, and 79 passes completed out of 80. He had made his debut for France on Monday, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 win away to Belgium, before retaining his place for the visit of Italy.
Jacquet's Reaction
Speaking to reporters after full-time, Jacquet said being part of the senior squad is "better than I imagined." He added: "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 playing in a high defensive line, he explained: "It was an instruction from the coach. 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."
Liverpool Impact
Jacquet has earned praise since joining from Rennes in a deal agreed in January. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has started him in six of their seven games, and the Frenchman is forming a promising partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
After France welcome Belgium next Monday, Jacquet is set to face his toughest test yet in Erling Haaland. Liverpool host Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, hoping to become the first team to take points off them this season.
