Zidane hails Liverpool defender Jacquet after France draw with Italy

Jérémy Jacquet has earned glowing praise from Zinedine Zidane after keeping his place for France’s 1-1 draw with Italy, only days after making his senior debut in a win over Belgium.

The £60 million Liverpool defender started at the heart of the French defence in Zidane’s first home match as coach and again looked assured. Michael Olise put France ahead with a superb free-kick, but Alessandro Bastoni’s effort, diverted on its way through, brought Italy level.

Jacquet, 21, completed 79 of 80 passes, won four duels and made key recovery runs as France held on after Italy’s equaliser. Zidane singled out the centre-back for his willingness to defend on the front foot.

“Very good. Very, very good,” Zidane said. “He was brave and was not scared to come a long way from his position. He was strong in the duels too. Again, he was very good. I have said it four times.”

The defender’s first cap came in France’s 1-0 victory away to Belgium on Monday, a result which also delivered a clean sheet. His second appearance confirmed his rapid rise after regular involvement with France’s youth teams.

Jacquet said the step up had exceeded his expectations. “It has been better than I thought it would be,” he said. “Training with these great players is a real pleasure. I am trying to enjoy every second.”

High-line instruction pays off

France asked Jacquet to operate aggressively against Italy, stepping high from defence as Zidane’s side pressed the visitors. The Liverpool man said he was following clear orders rather than taking unnecessary risks.

“It was what the coach told me to do,” Jacquet said. “He wanted me to press high and not worry about what was behind me. I followed his instruction. I am happy with it. I do not feel pressure; I am just playing football.”

That confidence has also made an early impact at Liverpool. Since arriving from Rennes in the summer, Jacquet has started six of the Reds’ first seven games and has quickly developed a dependable pairing with Virgil van Dijk under Andoni Iraola.

France finish the break with another meeting against Belgium next Monday, when Jacquet could make it three consecutive senior appearances. Liverpool then return to action with a major test on October 11, hosting Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield. Jacquet is set to face Erling Haaland as Iraola’s side attempt to become the first team this season to take points from Enzo Maresca’s struggling outfit.