Virgil van Dijk has praised Jeremy Jacquet’s excellent start alongside him in Liverpool’s defence, while warning the emerging centre-back that he must remain focused with the season still in its early stages.
Jacquet, a former Rennes player, has quickly settled into his role as Van Dijk’s new central-defensive partner. The Liverpool captain has welcomed the youngster’s performances but urged him to continue working and learning.
Van Dijk urges Jeremy Jacquet to stay focused
“He has had an excellent start, but we are only in September,” Van Dijk said.
He added: “I want him to keep working and keep learning. I am sure he will. There is a lot of praise and rightly so, but I know how it works when you play a game not at the standards you have set. So let’s just stay calm, and try and stay important for us.”
Van Dijk’s experience offers Jacquet an important source of guidance as he establishes himself at Liverpool. The Dutchman took a longer route to the top, developing through spells at Celtic and Southampton before reaching the highest level.
Jacquet, by contrast, is gaining experience while playing for one of the leading sides in the game. Liverpool will hope Van Dijk’s advice can help the young defender build on his promising opening to the campaign.
