Andoni Iraola made Jeremy Jacquet “suffer” in tough Ipswich test as Liverpool defender finally completes 90 minutes
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola made a deliberate decision not to protect new signing Jeremy Jacquet during the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town, allowing the young defender to endure a demanding physical test.
Jacquet had concerns raised during a bruising second half, but Iraola resisted the temptation to substitute him. Instead, the Liverpool boss trusted the 21-year-old to push through the discomfort and complete the match.
The decision was particularly significant given Jacquet’s recent injury history. The French centre-back is still working his way back to full fitness after suffering a serious shoulder injury during his time at Rennes. The problem required surgery and brought his previous campaign to an early end before his move to Anfield.
Jacquet had started Liverpool’s first two Premier League matches of the campaign but failed to see out either game. He was taken off after 69 minutes against Newcastle United before lasting 76 minutes in the draw with Nottingham Forest.
Against Ipswich, however, everything changed.
For the first time this season, Jacquet completed the full 90 minutes, giving Iraola an important indication of how far the defender has progressed physically.
Rather than viewing the demanding evening as a problem, Iraola appeared to see it as an important part of Jacquet’s development. The manager wanted his new defender to experience the intensity of Premier League football alongside an experienced leader such as Virgil van Dijk.
“For any centre-back to play alongside Virgil is a lesson and a masterclass,” Iraola said after the victory.
“Jeremy played his first full game. Physically, he could not finish the first two games.”
The comments underline just how important the Ipswich fixture could be for Jacquet. After struggling to complete Liverpool’s opening two league matches, he finally managed to last the entire game, suggesting that his physical condition is steadily improving.
Playing alongside Van Dijk also gives the young Frenchman an invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the most experienced defenders in the Premier League. Iraola appears willing to give Jacquet responsibility rather than shielding him from every difficult moment.
The decision to keep him on against Ipswich was therefore more than simply a substitution call. It was a test of Jacquet’s fitness, mentality and ability to cope with the physical demands of English football.
And after completing his first 90 minutes, the £60m signing appears to have taken another important step forward in his Liverpool development.
