Jeremy Jacquet Shines as Liverpool’s £60m Defensive Signing
Liverpool’s £60 million ($80m) winter signing Jacquet has made an immediate impression at Anfield, helping the club remain unbeaten through seven matches in all competitions during the opening weeks of 2026-27.
Why Liverpool’s new defensive options matter
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Jacquet transfer fee | £60m ($80m) |
| Jacquet age | 21 |
| Liverpool matches unbeaten | 7 |
| Clean sheets | 3 |
| Premier League points | 9 from 5 games |
| League position before international break | 6th |
| Alexander Isak fee | £125m ($167m) |
The 21-year-old French defender arrived after an agreement was reached in the winter window and has carried a strong pre-season into competitive fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup. He has quickly developed an understanding with captain Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
Jacquet’s early displays have drawn favourable comparisons with Liverpool defenders of previous eras. His composure in possession has recalled the club’s long-standing expectation that defenders must be able to build attacks as well as stop them, while his competitive edge has also been a feature of his start.
Former Liverpool midfielder Houghton highlighted Jacquet’s willingness to defend aggressively, pointing to the booking he received against Fulham. Liverpool did not withdraw him after the yellow card, and Houghton felt that decision reflected confidence in the player’s discipline and temperament.
Houghton described Jacquet as strong in the air, vocal and naturally competitive, while praising the speed and weight of his passes into midfield. He also noted that the defender had stood out in the pre-season match he watched, calling him a valuable addition who appears settled in his new surroundings.
Araujo adds experience and physicality
Liverpool have also strengthened their options with Ronald Araujo, who joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The Uruguay international is primarily a centre-half but has been used at right-back by head coach Andoni Iraola.
Houghton believes Araujo has made Liverpool more robust at the back. In the Fulham fixture, played after the match against Atletico Madrid, the defender was less involved going forward than a specialist full-back might have been. His aerial work, tackling and straightforward use of the ball nevertheless stood out.
The former Republic of Ireland international also said Araujo’s defensive-minded role can help the winger ahead of him. With the right-back providing reliable cover rather than regularly overlapping, the wide player can focus on taking on opponents, combining in tight areas and delivering crosses.
Liverpool entered the first international break of the campaign in sixth place after taking nine points from five league matches. The defensive contributions of Jacquet and Araujo have coincided with Swedish striker Alexander Isak beginning to find his form in attack following his £125m ($167m) move.
Next fixture
Liverpool return on October 11 for a home Premier League meeting with leaders Manchester City, a significant early test of the side’s unbeaten start and its developing new defensive unit.
