Former Liverpool recruitment analyst highlights one problem Arne Slot may have with Jeremy Jacquet
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Liverpool Could Have One Problem with Jeremy Jacquet, Says Former Reds Recruitment Analyst
By Rousing The Kop Staff | February 7, 2026
In a recent analysis, former Liverpool FC recruitment analyst Mark Gore has highlighted a potential issue manager Arne Slot might face with incoming defender Jeremy Jacquet. Liverpool secured a club-record £60 million deal for the 20-year-old Stade Rennais centre-back on transfer deadline day, but Jacquet will remain in Ligue 1 until the end of the 2025-26 season to aid Liverpool's financial planning under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).[1][2]
Gore, who played a key role in identifying talents like Ibrahima Konaté and Jarell Quansah during his time at Anfield, praised Jacquet's attributes but flagged a tactical mismatch. "Jacquet is a very big talent, as Arne Slot himself said," Gore noted in an exclusive interview. "He's excelled in Rennes' back three or five system, making 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season with composure on the ball and strong aerial presence. His France U21 caps and U19 Euros Team of the Tournament nod underline his potential."[1][3][4]
However, Gore warned: "The problem is Liverpool's shift to a two-man centre-back partnership under Slot. Jacquet thrives in a three-at-the-back setup, handling narrower defensive duties. In the Premier League, he'll face bigger spaces, more 1v1 duels, and greater in-possession responsibility. The learning curve for young defenders here is steep— we've seen it with others."[4]
Gore compared Jacquet to past Liverpool signings: "Unlike Van Dijk's immediate impact, this is high-risk, high-reward. Spending £55m plus add-ons on a prospect with limited top-flight minutes isn't our usual model. Slot's system demands progressive passing and speed in transitions—areas where Jacquet must adapt quickly, especially with injuries to Joe Gomez and others."[3][5]
Despite concerns, Gore is optimistic: "If he adjusts, he could be world-class. But patience will be key amid depth issues if Konaté or Gomez depart." Liverpool, sixth in the table, eye Jacquet as future-proofing alongside prospects like Giovanni Leoni.[5]
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