Why Jérémy Jacquet may be the ‘heir to Virgil van Dijk’ for Liverpool
A report from Theguardian says Jérémy Jacquet has been signed by Liverpool for £60m after being recalled by Rennes from a loan at Clermont Foot and recovering from 18 months out with growth-related injuries. At Rennes Jacquet emerged from a talented 2005 generation and overcame a year in which he grew 10cm, required surgery to remove the end of a cartilage and played little.
Laurent Viaud, his under-19s manager, said the period off forged a mentality that helped him return with renewed drive. Technically versatile after early spells in midfield, Jacquet is described as a “complete” defender with speed, aggression, a strong heading game and expansive passing.
A loan at Clermont was important to his development, Rennes paid nearly €1m to recall him, and he started 11 of the final 14 league games to help the club rise up the table. This season he has been a regular, only missing two games through suspension, and has taken on a more senior role alongside Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.