Man of the Match: Jacquet Stands Tall as Liverpool Stumble to Frustrating Fulham Draw

Newcastle United v Liverpool - Premier League 2026/27 Jeremy Jacquet of Liverpool cant stop Joe Willock of Newcastle United scoring 2nd goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. WARNING This Photograph May Only Be Used For Newspaper And/Or Magazine Editorial Purposes. May Not Be Used For Publications Involving 1 player, 1 Club Or 1 Competition Without Written Authorisation From Football DataCo Ltd. For Any Queries, Please Contact Football DataCo Ltd on 44 0 207 864 9121 Newcastle upon Tyne St. James Park England United Kingdom Copyright: xAllstarxPicturexLibraryxLtdx
By Steven Smith
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Liverpool 0–0 Fulham – Premier League Man of the Match

Jérémy Jacquet – Liverpool FC

There is something increasingly impressive developing at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, and for the second consecutive match, Jérémy Jacquet has been the outstanding player on the pitch.

Two games, two Man of the Match awards.

That is quite an introduction to life at Anfield for the young France Under-21 international, particularly when you consider the quality of opposition he has faced and the fact that he is still adapting to a new club, a new league and the demands of playing for Liverpool.

Against Fulham, Jacquet was quite simply excellent.

While those around him struggled to find the rhythm, intensity and attacking imagination required to break down a stubborn West London side, Jacquet looked completely at home. He was alert from the opening exchanges, read danger exceptionally well and produced what was arguably the defining defensive moment of the match when he cleared a goal-bound effort off the line.

That intervention alone demonstrated the awareness and concentration that Liverpool supporters want to see from a centre-back, but it was his overall performance that made him worthy of the award.

Jacquet continually found himself in the right position. His defensive decision-making was mature, his reading of the game was excellent and he showed no signs of being intimidated by the responsibility placed upon him.

Two in a row and a growing influence

What makes Jacquet’s emergence even more encouraging is the contrast between his performance and the midfield pairing in front of him.

Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai struggled to impose themselves on the contest, with Liverpool lacking the authority and physical presence required to dictate proceedings. The midfield was too passive for long periods, leaving the defence with more responsibility to absorb pressure and maintain concentration.

Jacquet did exactly that.

He did not allow the lack of control ahead of him to affect his own performance. Instead, he remained composed and disciplined, repeatedly stepping in to make important interventions and ensuring Fulham were unable to turn their opportunities into something more damaging.

There is also a confidence developing with every appearance. Jacquet looks increasingly comfortable alongside Virgil van Dijk, and rather than simply benefiting from the experience of the Liverpool captain, he is beginning to look like a defender capable of contributing significantly to the partnership himself.

For Liverpool, that is enormously encouraging.

The season is still young, and it would be premature to place excessive pressure on a young defender after only a handful of appearances. But the early evidence is difficult to ignore. Jacquet possesses the positioning, composure, defensive intelligence and temperament required at the highest level.

Liverpool may have dropped two points against Fulham, but once again their young French defender emerged with considerable credit.

Two consecutive Man of the Match performances tell their own story.

Jérémy Jacquet is already starting to look like Liverpool’s next defensive leader.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 3–1 Fulham

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