Liverpool's Jacquet wins Zidane's praise as France's best v Italy

📰 Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet earned the highest rating in the France side against Italy and was showered with praise by manager Zidane. 📌 Key points ⚽ France and Italy drew 1-1 in the Nations League. 🧢 Jacquet started at centre-back and put in an assured defensive display. 📈 Jacquet's rating of 7.5 was the highest of any France player. 🗣️ Zidane repeated "very good" four times. 🔁 Jacquet is a 21-year-old defender who joined Liverpool from Rennes this summer. 📝 What happened 🏟️ France played Italy in the Nations League at the Stade de France on 2 October. Michael Olise's free kick ten minutes into the second half put them ahead, but they conceded an equaliser to Alessandro Bastoni in the 68th minute, and late on Upamecano was sent off for a second yellow card. 🧢 Despite the draw, Jacquet's performance stood out. According to Football365, Jacquet was given a rating of 7.5 by Eurosport, and he was the only France player to score 7 or higher in the match. 🗣️ After the game Zidane said Jacquet had been very good and brave, unafraid to step out boldly to defend high up the pitch and strong in his duels. He then added that he had given the same praise "four times", Football365 reported. 🔴 Jacquet moved from Rennes to Liverpool this summer for a fee of £55m plus £5m in add-ons. Just before the international call-up, he partnered Van Dijk as they kept three consecutive league clean sheets together. 📊 By the numbers • France 1-1 Italy (Olise 55', Bastoni 68') • Jacquet rated 7.5, the highest in the France side • Fee: £55m + £5m in add-ons • Liverpool's three consecutive clean sheets before the call-up 🔭 Why it matters A 21-year-old centre-back quickly earning the trust of France under new boss Zidane is a welcome sign for Liverpool too. Hopes are growing that Jacquet, signed for a big fee, can establish himself as Van Dijk's long-term partner. After the break, Liverpool host Man City at Anfield on 11 October. The question is whether Jacquet, buoyed by his international display, can produce the same in a big game.