Why Jérémy Jacquet May Be the Next Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
When an athlete misses 18 months of competition, there's a natural eagerness to make up for lost time. Jérémy Jacquet has certainly done that. Last year, Rennes recalled him from a loan spell at Clermont Foot, and now he's been signed by Liverpool for £60 million. This move comes as no surprise, given Jacquet's impressive performance in Ligue 2 and his potential to become a top-tier defender.
Jacquet's growth has been remarkable, especially considering his teenage years. He grew by 10cm in a year, which caused him to miss 18 months of play and undergo surgery to remove a cartilage. However, this setback gave him a fresh perspective and a renewed determination to excel. His manager, Laurent Viaud, recalls Jacquet's return with a hunger to prove himself, stating, 'When he came back, he wanted to eat everything up.'
Jacquet's technical skills were already well-regarded, but his time at Clermont Foot further refined his abilities. He honed his technique while playing in midfield at a young age, drawing inspiration from Paul Pogba. This influence is evident in his expansive and ambitious passing game, which has developed into a key strength.
Despite initially opposing playing deeper, Jacquet eventually gave in to his coaches' guidance. He has since developed as a defender while maintaining the football IQ of a midfielder. His ability to read the situation and the ball's trajectory has improved significantly, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Jacquet's performances in Ligue 2 impressed Rennes so much that they paid nearly €1m to bring him back early. This fee made him the 17th-most expensive departure in Clermont's history, but the club's manager, Laurent Batlles, was determined to keep him. Jacquet's importance to the team was evident, as he started 11 of Rennes' 14 remaining league games and helped them rise up the table.
This season, Jacquet has continued to shine, playing every game but for two due to suspension. He has been joined by Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, a talented 19-year-old Moroccan, at centre-back, giving him a more senior role. Jacquet's confidence and ambition will serve him well as he steps up to the Premier League next season.
Jacquet has named Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté as sources of inspiration, and his style of play bears similarities to the Dutch international. Viaud believes Jacquet is the natural 'heir' to van Dijk, given his work as a scout for Liverpool during the Rafael Benítez era. He states, 'I think the recruiters have seen in Jérém the heir to Van Dijk because in a lot of areas, Jérém looks like him.'
Jacquet's potential is immense, and his ability to fill the shoes of legendary defenders like van Dijk and Marcel Desailly is a testament to his skill. As Rennes' record sale, he looks capable of becoming a cornerstone of Liverpool's defense, marking a new era of success for the club.
