Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard believes Jeremy Jacquet could become the ideal long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, offering fresh hope for the club’s defensive future as uncertainty surrounds its captain’s contract.
The 21-year-old French defender has impressed Gerrard with his performances since joining Liverpool’s first-team setup. The former Reds captain has praised Jacquet’s composure, physical profile and movement, suggesting that the young centre-back has the potential to take on a leading role at Anfield.
With Van Dijk approaching the final year of his contract, Liverpool may soon face an important decision about the future of their defensive leadership. Gerrard, however, believes the club already has a promising candidate who could eventually fill that demanding position.
Although Jacquet still has areas of his game to improve, his early performances have given Liverpool reasons to be optimistic about the next phase of their defensive development.
Steven Gerrard Backs Jeremy Jacquet to Replace Van Dijk
Gerrard has been impressed by Jacquet’s contribution to Liverpool’s defence during the opening stages of the 2026/2027 season.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORTbible on Saturday, October 10, the Liverpool legend highlighted several qualities that have caught his attention.
“I like him. I’ve been really impressed with his performances since the first pre-season friendly,” Gerrard said.
The former midfielder particularly praised Jacquet’s composure, overall profile and ability to move effectively on the pitch. These characteristics are important for a centre-back expected to operate in a demanding defensive system.
However, Gerrard also acknowledged that the young defender still needs to refine certain aspects of his game.
That assessment reflects the balance between Jacquet’s current contribution and his long-term potential. While his performances have encouraged optimism, becoming a consistent defensive leader will require continued development.
Gerrard nevertheless believes Jacquet could eventually take over Van Dijk’s role as Liverpool’s defensive cornerstone.
“I think he can reach an even higher level. He will be the perfect replacement for Virg in one or two years because he has helped make Liverpool’s defence more solid,” Gerrard added.
The endorsement carries particular significance given Gerrard’s connection to Liverpool and his experience of the standards expected at Anfield.
Why Jeremy Jacquet Could Be Liverpool’s Next Defensive Leader
Replacing Van Dijk would be a considerable challenge for any defender.
The Dutchman has been a central figure in Liverpool’s defence, combining experience, composure and leadership. His presence has helped establish the standards expected from the club’s back line.
Jacquet is still at an early stage of his career, but Gerrard believes the Frenchman possesses several qualities that could help him develop into a similar position of responsibility.
The main strengths highlighted by Gerrard include:
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Composure: Jacquet has impressed with his calmness in defensive situations.
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Movement: His mobility could help him adapt to the demands of Liverpool’s defensive system.
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Defensive contribution: His performances have helped Liverpool become more solid at the back.
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Room for improvement: At 21, he still has time to develop his game and become more consistent.
These qualities provide a foundation for further progress, although they do not automatically guarantee that Jacquet will reach Van Dijk’s level.
The challenge for Liverpool will be to give the young defender enough opportunities to develop while maintaining the defensive consistency required to compete at the highest level.
If his progress continues, Jacquet could become an important part of Liverpool’s plans for the coming seasons.
Jacquet’s Arrival Provides a Boost for Liverpool
Jacquet officially joined Liverpool in the summer of 2026 after completing a transfer from Stade Rennais in January, with the overall fee reportedly capable of reaching £60 million.
He spent the second half of the previous season on loan at his former club before making the full move to Anfield.
His arrival has provided Liverpool with another option in central defence, particularly following Ibrahima Konate’s departure at the end of the previous campaign.
The transition has not been without expectations. A significant transfer fee naturally brings attention, while the demands of playing for Liverpool mean that young defenders must adapt quickly to the club’s style and competitive environment.
So far, Jacquet has made an encouraging impression.
He has featured in every Liverpool match at the start of the 2026/2027 season and helped the team record three consecutive Premier League clean sheets within its first five matches.
Those performances have strengthened the belief among some supporters that Jacquet could become one of Liverpool’s most important defensive additions this season.
Still, the early results represent only the beginning of his journey. Maintaining that level across a full campaign will be a more substantial test.
Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool Future Remains Uncertain
While Jacquet’s development is attracting attention, Van Dijk’s contractual situation continues to raise questions about Liverpool’s long-term plans.
The Dutch defender is now 35, and his current contract is due to expire in the summer of 2027.
That timeline has encouraged speculation about whether he will remain at Anfield beyond the end of his existing deal. Reports have also linked him with interest from European clubs, including AC Milan.
However, there is no confirmed indication that Van Dijk will leave Liverpool in the near future.
The club could still seek to retain its captain for at least another season, giving the experienced defender more time to contribute while younger players continue their development.
Keeping Van Dijk would also provide Jacquet with an opportunity to learn directly from an established defensive leader.
Rather than immediately taking over the Dutchman’s responsibilities, the Frenchman could gradually assume a greater role as he gains experience.
That transition could benefit Liverpool by reducing the pressure on Jacquet to replace one of the club’s most influential players overnight.
Liverpool Could Have a Long-Term Plan for Its Defence
Gerrard’s assessment suggests that Liverpool may already have a promising option for the future, even though Van Dijk’s next move remains unresolved.
Jacquet’s early performances, combined with his age and potential for improvement, give the club a reason to invest in his development.
However, the coming seasons will be crucial in determining whether he can become the defensive leader Gerrard envisions.
Liverpool must continue to assess his progress, ensure he receives the right opportunities and decide how best to manage the eventual transition away from Van Dijk.
For now, the veteran captain remains an important figure, while Jacquet is beginning to establish himself as a player worth watching.
If the French defender continues to improve, Gerrard’s prediction could become increasingly relevant as Liverpool prepares for the next stage of its defensive evolution.
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