Could Jérémy Jacquet be the next big thing for Liverpool, perhaps even the successor to Virgil van Dijk? After an extended absence from the pitch lasting 18 months due to injuries, Jacquet is now making headlines with his impressive transfer to Liverpool for a reported £60 million. This phenomenal leap in his career comes just a year after he was recalled from a loan spell at Clermont Foot, a Ligue 2 team.
Rennes, where Jacquet honed his skills, has a stellar reputation for nurturing talent, and they have certainly produced some exceptional players from the 2005 generation. Alongside Jacquet, names like Désiré Doué, Mathys Tel, Jeanuël Belocian, and Lesley Ugochukwu have emerged as promising stars. As these young talents prepare to leave Rennes, their time together has undoubtedly pushed them to reach new heights during their development.
Yet, Jacquet's journey hasn't been without its challenges. During his teenage years, he faced significant growth spurts, adding 10 centimeters to his height in the span of a year. This rapid physical change led to complications, resulting in a lengthy period where he could hardly play. He underwent surgery to address issues related to cartilage growth, and his former under-19 coach, Laurent Viaud, recalls those difficult times fondly. "For Jérém, it was growth injuries, Osgood-Schlatter, things like that. You know you’re going to lose time,” said Viaud, reflecting on the impact of those injuries.
However, this setback ultimately fueled a new determination in Jacquet. "When he returned, he had an insatiable hunger to prove himself," Viaud explained. "We almost had to hold him back, as his drive to succeed was so intense. Young players often come back from injuries with a newfound focus because they understand the value of being sidelined."
Rennes was relieved to find that despite his injuries, Jacquet retained all of his technical abilities. Viaud noted that while many young athletes experience coordination issues following growth spurts, Jacquet's skill set remained intact. Known as a 'complete' defender, he combines speed, tenacity, aerial prowess, and impressive technical abilities. Interestingly, he began his career as a midfielder and admired the playing style of Paul Pogba, stating in an interview, "I always wanted to emulate him." This influence is reflected in Jacquet's ambitious passing style, which sometimes veers into overly ambitious territory.
While initially hesitant to adopt a defensive role, Jacquet heeded his coaches' advice, recognizing their expertise. "They understood the game better than I did at that time," he admitted, and this adaptability has allowed him to evolve as a defender while still possessing the keen insights typical of a midfielder. Viaud highlighted Jacquet's improvement in situational awareness and ball trajectory predictions, which have developed significantly through experience — particularly during his loan at Clermont Foot, a period he describes as pivotal in his career.
The differences in Jacquet’s approach to the game were stark upon his return from Clermont. Viaud remarked, "In Rennes, our boys are somewhat sheltered. He experienced Ligue 2, which opened his eyes to the level of training available there. While Clermont may not have the best facilities, he learned about the standards one can expect elsewhere. We are fortunate in Rennes."
Jacquet's strong performances in Ligue 2 caught the attention of Rennes' management, who paid nearly €1 million to bring him back early. This fee made him the 17th most expensive player sold by Clermont, a testament to his value. Despite the arrival of seasoned defenders Anthony Rouault and Lilian Brassier at Rennes, Jacquet quickly became a key player, starting 11 out of the last 14 league matches and contributing significantly to the team’s resurgence in the standings.
This season has seen Jacquet maintain that momentum, participating in every match except for two due to suspension. With the addition of 19-year-old Moroccan defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Jacquet finds himself in a more senior position on the team, prompting him to take on additional leadership responsibilities. "I need to be a stronger presence both on and off the field," he acknowledged. Even though he still has areas to improve upon, such as occasionally being too laid-back, his confidence in playing outweighs any fear of making mistakes. As he prepares to transition to the Premier League, it's clear that his ambitions are high.
Moreover, he will have the opportunity to learn from veterans like Virgil van Dijk, regarded as one of the top defenders of the modern era. Jacquet has cited Van Dijk, along with Ibrahima Konaté, as significant inspirations in his career, and Viaud sees Jacquet as a natural successor to the Dutch star. With his background as a scout for Liverpool during Rafael Benitez's tenure, he has a keen eye for talent, noting, "Jérém exhibits many qualities reminiscent of Van Dijk. In fact, I would argue he might even be faster. He must absorb as much knowledge as possible from players like Van Dijk, but the similarities are striking."
To put it into perspective, Viaud compared Jacquet to legendary defenders Marcel Desailly and Laurent Blanc, claiming he embodies aspects of both their styles. Given the illustrious careers of Desailly and Blanc, it's thrilling to consider how far Jacquet might go. He truly has the potential to redefine what it means to be a defender in his generation. While the expectations are enormous, Jacquet has already made significant strides in his development, both physically and metaphorically. As Rennes’ record sale, surpassing names like Ousmane Dembélé and Doué, he appears poised to rise to the occasion.
