Jeremy Jacquet, the Rp1.1 Trillion Signing Who Made Liverpool's Back Line Feared Again

Liverpool appear to have found the answer to their fragile back line. Jeremy Jacquet, the young French center-back brought in from Rennes for around £60 million (equivalent to Rp1.1 trillion), has immediately become a solid wall at the heart of The Reds' defense. In the last three Premier League matches, he has kept clean sheets, an achievement that was not necessarily expected to come this quickly.

Jacquet's arrival is not without reason. Liverpool's management under the direction of new sporting director Julian Ward is indeed trying to overhaul the squad to become competitive again. Ibrahima Konate's departure to Real Madrid at the end of last season left a big hole in the back line. However, instead of signing an experienced player, Liverpool chose to put their trust in Jacquet's raw potential. This decision is in line with the club's philosophy, which in recent years has often bought talented young players at high prices, as they did with Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig in 2023.

Jacquet's performances alongside Virgil van Dijk have been impressive. Statistics show he has won 76% of his aerial duels, a figure that reflects physical strength, mobility, and the ability to read the game at the highest level. This combination has allowed him to adapt quickly to the intensity of the Premier League, something that is not always easy for a player experiencing the harshness of English competition for the first time.

Football analyst Bence Bocsak considers Jacquet worthy of being called one of the best defenders in the Premier League today. "He has already become one of the best defenders in the Premier League," he said, as quoted by Football FanCast. That assessment is not without basis, given Jacquet's consistency at the start of this season.

For Liverpool, Jacquet's presence has had a significant impact on the team's balance. Manager Andoni Iraola, known for prioritizing aggression and attacking dynamism, has instead chosen to build the foundation from the back line. This approach differs from initial expectations, but it has proven effective. With a solid defense, forwards such as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez have more freedom to attack without having to worry too much about helping the defense.

"Jacquet has world-class potential. Despite being young and lacking experience, he has already become Iraola's main pillar. This could be Liverpool's best purchase in recent years, perhaps since Szoboszlai," wrote a Football FanCast analyst.

On the other hand, Liverpool's midfield remains a work in progress. Dominik Szoboszlai, who was in the spotlight last season, has not fully found his best form. Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have also been inconsistent. However, Jacquet's presence at least reduces that burden by providing stability at the back.

For Indonesian football fans, Jacquet's story reflects how European clubs are increasingly willing to invest large funds in young players. This trend is also visible in Liga 1, where several clubs have begun recruiting young foreign players with promising potential. Liverpool's success in developing Jacquet could be a valuable lesson about the importance of a long-term vision in team building.

Going forward, the challenge for Jacquet is to maintain consistency and handle the pressure in big matches. If he can sustain his performances, it is not impossible that Liverpool will challenge for the title again. Will Jacquet become the best defender in the Premier League this season? Time will tell, but the start he has shown has made the Anfield public optimistic.