Jérémy Jacquet continued to impress France manager Zinédine Zidane with his performance in the Nations League match against Italy on Friday, which ended 1-1. The Liverpool defender, 21, started for the second consecutive game after his debut against Belgium, and Zidane praised his composure and defensive skills.
“He has been very good, very, very good, and valiant,” Zidane said after the match. “He’s not afraid to come out a long way off his line, and he was very good in one-on-one situations. In short, he was once again very good. I’ve said it four times (laughs).”
Jacquet was called up to the France squad for the first time during this September international break. The former Stade Rennais player has already made a strong impression, including a remarkable start to his Premier League career with Liverpool. Zidane’s praise suggests the manager sees Jacquet as a reliable option in central defence despite his rookie status.
France’s Nations League campaign has seen Jacquet step into a challenging role against top opponents. His first start came in the narrow 0-1 loss to Belgium, where he demonstrated defensive resilience. Against Italy, Jacquet helped France secure a draw at home, displaying calmness and confidence that caught Zidane’s attention.
The 21-year-old’s ability to step away from the defensive line and engage attackers directly stood out in Zidane’s assessment. The manager’s repeated emphasis on Jacquet’s performance signals a growing trust in the young defender’s capabilities at the international level.
Jacquet’s rise comes as France evaluates options in defence amid a period of transition. His early inclusion in the squad and subsequent starts in the Nations League suggest Zidane is willing to integrate younger players who show readiness to perform under pressure.
Following the Italy match, Zidane’s comments made clear that Jacquet’s display exceeded expectations for a player just breaking into the senior national team. The Liverpool player’s performances are drawing attention as France prepares for upcoming fixtures in the competition.
Jacquet’s next chance to impress will come as France progresses through the Nations League group stage. For now, Zidane’s backing marks a significant endorsement of the defender’s potential at this early stage in his international career.
According to Yahoo Sports.
