Liverpool new signing Jeremy Jacquet earns praise from Andoni Iraola after scoring on debut
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Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet celebrates scoring their first goal against Como.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LIVERPOOL – Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola praised new signing Jeremy Jacquet after the 21-year-old scored on his debut as the Reds ended their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Italian Serie A side Como at Anfield on Aug 16.
The France Under-21 international’s move for a reported £60 million (S$104 million) was confirmed on July 1, but a niggling knee injury had kept him on the sidelines until the visit of Cesc Fabregas’ Como.
Playing alongside Virgil van Dijk, the centre-back impressed in the early stages with some well-timed challenges and rounded off a fine first appearance for the English Premier League side with a tap-in from Cody Gakpo’s cross that made it 2-0 for the Merseysiders in the 44th minute.
Gakpo had given Liverpool the lead in the 23rd minute after good work from right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
Jacquet was replaced at half-time by another debutant, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo, who had joined on loan from Barcelona.
“I think Jeremy played really well,” Iraola said on the club’s website. “Also, Ronald played really well when he came in. When you have two new faces, first game for both, they do so well.
“It was also a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes as a right-back, helping us offensively but closing very well his side also. So, some good performances at the back.”
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker echoed Iraola’s thoughts on Jacquet and Araujo.
The Brazilian said: “Jeremy had a great first half, great on the ball, great defending as well, controlling the space behind (and) in front of him as well. Great, great performance.
“Ronald as well had a really good game in the second half... it’s really good to have a strong centre-back to help the team, in depth as well. That’s what we need if we want to compete for the trophies this season.”
Ryan Gravenberch came closest to scoring in a lacklustre second half when he clipped the top of the crossbar following fine play by Victor Munoz, another new signing.
“I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game,” said former Bournemouth boss Iraola, who took over in June from the sacked Arne Slot.
“Still, the first half has been better than the second, but at least we kept our organisation, our composure and we found a way to finish with a clean sheet, 2-0. I think we needed this feeling before we start.”
The 44-year-old Spaniard will take charge of his first EPL game as Liverpool boss when they visit Newcastle United on Aug 23.
Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire hopes striker Marcus Rashford will stay with the Red Devils this season.
The England international had not played for United since he fell out of favour with former manager Ruben Amorim in December 2024, spending the last 18 months out on loan with Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Rashford, who returned to United’s squad last week following an extended break after the World Cup, came off the bench in a 4-2 pre-season defeat by AC Milan in Poland on Aug 15.
His future at his boyhood club remains unclear, though United manager Michael Carrick last week described the 28-year-old as “our player”.
Maguire said after the friendly: “As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure.
“You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He’s a huge threat.
“I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that playing against him and playing with him in training is going to help us.”
United, who finished third last season, begin their EPL campaign with a trip to promoted Hull City on Aug 22. AFP