Zinedine Zidane gives three-word Jeremy Jacquet verdict that Liverpool fans will love

· Mirror

Jeremy Jacquet only made his debut for France this week but Zinedine Zidane is already a big fan of the Liverpool defender, who helped his country draw 1-1 with Italy on Friday

Zinedine Zidane has heaped praise on Jeremy Jacquet after the Liverpool star's 'very, very good' performance on his second start for France. Jacquet, who joined Liverpool in a deal worth up to £60million this summer, continued his impressive start to the season with a dominant display in Friday's 1-1 draw with Italy.

The 21-year-old had made his debut for France on Monday, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 win away to Belgium. Jacquet then retained his place in Zidane's starting line-up for the visit of Italy, with Michael Olise's spectacular free-kick ultimately being cancelled out by a deflected shot from Alessandro Bastoni.

Although Zidane was disappointed with the outcome of his first home game in charge of France, the former Real Madrid boss was delighted with Jacquet. "Very good. Very, very good," Zidane hailed.

> "Brave. He wasn't afraid to come out a long way. Very good in the duels. He was, once again, very good. I said it four times."

Zidane's praise was warranted, with the centre-back making two interceptions, two clearances, two recoveries, winning four duels and completing 79 passes out of 80. Jacquet also spoke to reporters after full-time and was asked how being part of the senior squad is going, having been a regular for France at youth level.

"Better than imagined," he replied. "To train with all these great players, it's just a great pleasure. I'm just trying to make the most of every moment."

Jacquet also doesn't mind playing in a high defensive line, adding: "It was an instruction from the coach. He asked me to press very high up the pitch and not look behind me.

> "I was just following that instruction... I'm quite happy. I don't feel any pressure. I'm just playing my football."

Jacquet has earned praise for his performances since joining Liverpool from Rennes in a deal which was agreed in January. Reds manager Andoni Iraola has started him in six of their seven games and the Frenchman is forming a promising partnership with Virgil van Dijk.

After France welcome Belgium next Monday, Jacquet is set to face his toughest test yet in Erling Haaland. Liverpool host Premier League leaders Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, hoping to become the first team to take points off them this season.

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