Jeremy Jacquet marks France debut with clean sheet as Liverpool progress continues

Michael Olise supplied the finish that decided the match, but Jeremy Jacquet left Belgium with a milestone of his own.

The Liverpool defender completed 90 minutes on his senior France debut as Zinedine Zidane’s side secured a 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory on Monday night. A first cap, a clean sheet and an away win made for a satisfying introduction to international football at its highest level.

For Liverpool, it was another encouraging development in a season that has already given Jacquet opportunities to demonstrate his growing assurance. His latest appearance adds substance to that progress without removing the challenges still ahead.

Jeremy Jacquet earns first senior France appearance

As reported by DaveOCKOP, Jacquet received his first senior call-up for France’s Nations League fixtures before remaining an unused substitute in the 1-0 victory over Türkiye.

His opportunity arrived against Belgium on 28 September. Zidane selected him from the start and kept him on the pitch throughout, giving the young centre-back a full match in which to experience the demands of senior international competition.

There is a difference between joining a squad and being asked to help secure a result. Jacquet has now crossed that divide.

A clean sheet is always a collective achievement, but it provided a positive setting for his first appearance. France had to wait until the closing stages for their winner, meaning defensive concentration remained important long after their early chances had gone unconverted.

Liverpool form provides platform for international recognition

Jacquet entered the international break after helping Liverpool beat Bournemouth 1-0, continuing an encouraging run alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool’s unbeaten start under Andoni Iraola has given the defender a stable environment in which to establish himself. Playing beside an experienced captain also offers a valuable reference point as he adjusts to the responsibilities of the position.

The challenge for a young centre-back is rarely confined to an individual tackle or interception. It involves maintaining sound judgement across an entire match, including those stretches when his team have most of the possession.

That makes the France appearance particularly useful experience. Jacquet was part of a side that created opportunities but could not immediately turn its attacking superiority into a lead. Remaining organised while waiting for a breakthrough was part of the assignment.

Michael Olise settles Belgium contest with late winner

France’s attacking players repeatedly threatened before Olise finally separated the teams in the 88th minute.

Désiré Doué struck the woodwork, while Esteban Lepaul found Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens difficult to beat. Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola also supplied a cross from which Lepaul threatened with a header.

Belgium carried danger of their own, with Mike Maignan called upon to deny Dodi Lukebakio as the hosts became more competitive later in the match.

The decisive moment belonged to Olise. After controlling the ball with his shoulder in his own half, he advanced and finished into the bottom corner, securing France’s second successive victory under Zidane.

UEFA’s match coverage confirmed the 1-0 result, with Olise’s solo effort providing the breakthrough after a demanding evening.

France milestone gives Jacquet another foundation to build on

One international appearance cannot establish where a defender’s career will eventually lead. It can, however, mark a meaningful change in the level of responsibility he is trusted to carry.

Jacquet now has senior experience for France to add to his developing Liverpool career. The immediate task is to turn those opportunities into sustained consistency.

For Liverpool supporters, the encouraging aspect is the sequence: assured club performances, senior recognition and then a complete debut in a winning side.

Olise’s goal will dominate the highlights. Jacquet’s first cap has a different significance, giving him another experience to draw upon when club football resumes.