Jeremy Jacquet has been a revelation for Liverpool since the Reds signed him in the summer, justifying the £60m price tag they paid Rennes for his signature.
The 21-year-old was named Man of the Match after full-time, and it’s hard to disagree.
The way Virgil van Dijk handed over the award was also a nice moment for a young player who spent the last eight years watching the Dutchman and trying to learn from him.
The skipper handed it over, saying: “Congratulations, brother! Well deserved!”
For a player who made 8 defensive contributions, 3 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 clearances, 1 blocked shot, 6 ball recoveries, 3 ground duels AND had an 88% pass accuracy, Jacquet accepted the award very meekly indeed!
"Let's go! One of many!"
Virgil van Dijk giving Jérémy Jacquet his POTM award after Liverpool's 1-0 win at Bournemouth ?? pic.twitter.com/6xWvjmrF8Y
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 20, 2026
Jacquet is a bona fide star
When Liverpool announced the agreement with Rennes in January, with the signing deferred until the summer, the reaction was mixed. Some Liverpool fans were familiar with him, some were not and were outraged at the price.
Liverpool, however, were well aware of the incredible talent they had just acquired.
At the time, commentator Kevin Hatchard said Liverpool saw the signing of the young Frenchman as a “real coup.”
Just one league clean sheet between February and September for #LFC. Now three in a row. Not the only reason but Jeremy Jacquet has been imperious. Only 21 and new to this league but feels like he has been playing in this back four for years. So solid.
— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) September 20, 2026
He said: “I think this is a real coup because he’s been seen as the next big thing in terms of French centre-backs for quite a while. He was linked with Arsenal, [and] Chelsea were very keen to sign him as well. Liverpool have managed to elbow their way to the front of the queue and bring him in.
“There’s going to have to be an element of patience because he’s still very young, he’s still very raw, but all of the raw material is there. He’s good in the air, he’s really confident in possession, he’s a good tackler. I think with more games, Andoni Iraola will work very closely with him as well.
“I think in the long-term, he and Giovanni Leoni are probably going to be the centre-back pairing for Liverpool after [Virgil] van Dijk has gone, obviously. That’s for the future, but I think he’ll learn so much from working with Van Dijk. I think this is a really positive signing.”
