Writers 
France head coach Zinedine Zidane has delivered strong praise for Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet after the young centre-back impressed during his first appearances for the national team.
Jacquet, 21, received his first senior France call-up when Zidane announced his maiden squad as national-team coach in September. The defender’s selection came after an impressive start to life at Liverpool, where he had quickly established himself as an important option in the club’s defence.
Following Jacquet’s performances for France, Zidane was asked about the young defender and responded with emphatic praise, describing him as “very, very, very good.” The France manager also highlighted Jacquet’s bravery, his willingness to defend aggressively and his ability to compete in one-on-one situations.
Zidane’s comments underline the confidence he has already developed in Jacquet, who has made a rapid transition from youth football to the senior international stage. The defender was one of several newcomers given opportunities as Zidane began reshaping the France squad after taking over from Didier Deschamps.
Jacquet’s route into the France senior team has been closely linked to his performances at Liverpool. He joined the Premier League club from Rennes and made an immediate impression after arriving at Anfield. His defensive reading and composure helped him earn regular opportunities alongside experienced players.
Before selecting Jacquet, Zidane had already explained that he had followed the defender for a long time. The former France midfielder revealed that Jacquet had played alongside his son, Elyaz Zidane, in France’s youth teams, giving him an opportunity to observe the centre-back’s development over several years.
Zidane previously described Jacquet as an “excellent profile” and said his current form naturally earned him a place in the national team. The France boss’ decision to include the defender was therefore based not simply on his age or potential, but also on the level he had shown during the early stages of his Liverpool career.
Jacquet subsequently made his senior international debut during France’s Nations League campaign. His appearance formed part of Zidane’s decision to introduce several new players while managing a demanding run of fixtures. Reuters reported that Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha and Andy Diouf were among the players who received their first France caps during the period.
The defender’s international breakthrough comes at an important stage of his career. At just 21, Jacquet is attempting to establish himself both at one of England’s biggest clubs and within a France squad containing several established international defenders.
His development has also attracted attention because of the expectations surrounding Liverpool’s defensive future. Liverpool manager Arne Slot had previously described Jacquet as a “very big talent” when discussing the club’s agreement to sign him from Rennes, while also pointing to his potential to contribute both immediately and over the long term.
Jacquet has also spoken positively about Zidane since joining the France setup. The Liverpool defender praised the manager’s close relationship with his players and his willingness to give young footballers opportunities when he believes they are ready.
For Zidane, Jacquet represents one of the emerging options available as France prepares for the next stage of its international cycle. The manager has already demonstrated a willingness to introduce younger players, and Jacquet’s performances give him another developing defender to monitor closely.
With praise coming from both Zidane and Slot, attention will now turn to how Jacquet continues to develop at Liverpool and with France. His early senior appearances have given him valuable international experience, while Zidane’s repeated recognition of his qualities suggests the defender has made a strong first impression on the new France coach.
