Jérémy Jacquet Targets Improvement After France Debut Clean Sheet
France beat Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League as Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet marked his senior debut with a clean sheet, but the 21-year-old immediately pointed to areas he wants to improve.
France v Belgium: key facts
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Result | France 1-0 Belgium | Nations League |
| Jacquet | 21 years old | Senior France debut and clean sheet |
| Defensive partner | Maxence Lacroix | Started at centre-back |
| Next match | Friday | France face Italy |
Jacquet, formerly of Rennes, was selected alongside Lacroix at the heart of the French defence and handled Belgium’s attacking threat with authority. He won important battles in the air and on the ground, while his composure in possession helped France play out from deep.
The debutant said the shutout and victory mattered, but insisted he was not fully content with his own display. “For a defender, a clean sheet is the best feeling,” he said. “With the win, I am happy. But I cannot say I am satisfied. There were two or three attacking situations after winning the ball where I should have done better.”
France took three points from the match, with Jacquet’s calm transition from Liverpool football to international duty strengthening his case as one of the country’s emerging defensive options.
Zidane continues France rebuild
Head coach Zinedine Zidane used the Belgium fixture to give further opportunities to players pushing through from club football. Stade Rennais forward Esteban Lepaul also made his first start under the new France manager.
Jacquet and Lacroix’s partnership offered a possible look at France’s next defensive cycle, with senior players facing increasing competition for places. Zidane has shown he is prepared to bring new faces into the squad, and Jacquet’s debut has put him firmly in the frame.
What happens next: France meet the Azzurri on Friday. Another disciplined outing could help Jacquet keep his place and move further up the centre-back pecking order as the Nations League campaign continues.
