Liverpool's £60 million signing Jeremy Jacquet made his competitive return on August 16, 2026, scoring his first goal since February's shoulder injury. The 21-year-old French international, now back in action, showcased composure, aggression, and creativity in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Como Calcio. His performance raised questions about his potential to replace Ibrahima Konate in the starting centre-back role alongside Van Dijk ahead of the Newcastle clash.
Jacquet's Qualities
Jacquet's attributes-aggressive pressing, ball control, and high turnovers-align with Andoni Iraola's high-energy system. Last season in Ligue 1, he ranked 87th percentile for chances created by defenders, a stat that could see him replicate Marco Senesi's role in Iraola's tactics. His ability to distribute the ball forward and recover quickly matches the demands of Liverpool's pressing style, as seen in Bournemouth's 2024/25 season under Iraola.
Why Jacquet May Not Be Automatically Favored
Despite his debut brilliance, Iraola may prioritize caution. Jacquet's six-month injury layoff and inexperience could lead to a gradual introduction, similar to Fabinho's 2018 integration. Ronald Araujo, the Uruguayan loanee, offers a safer option with his aggression and versatility. Araujo's Barcelona pedigree and compatibility with Van Dijk's defensive partnership might secure him the starting spot, balancing risk and reward for the Premier League's demands.
