Liverpool have signed the next Raphael Varane - scouting expert
Liverpool's Jeremy Jacquet is a star in the making and shares similarities with iconic Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane.
That is the opinion of legendary former Everton, Aston Villa and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old was excellent once again on Sunday as the Reds beat Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
Liverpool signed Jacquet from Rennes in January for around £60million and have had to wait until this season to see him in action.
And it has been worth the wait. The Frenchman has adapted to Premier League football expertly, proving to be a constant standout so far this season.
Jacquet will receive his first senior France cap in the coming days, too, after being called up by Zinedine Zidane.
Jeremy Jacquet 'looks very intelligent'
Varane won the World Cup with France in 2018, and the Champions League four times with Real Madrid.
The legendary defender joined Manchester United in 2021 and would call time on his career aged just 31 in 2024, after suffering a serious knee injury on debut for Como.
He remains among France's finest ever defenders and certainly not a bad name to be compared to.
"I mean, they look pretty strong centrally, don't they? And especially with this boy, I mean, Christ, he's only 21," King told Football Insider.
"And he's come from Rennes, a very good French club. He'll play for France at every level. He's a great size, isn't he? 6'3". He's got pace.
"And he didn't exactly come for peanuts, did he? £55 million plus £5m. I think they're going to have to get the £5m ready already.
"He looks a very good player. I tell you, he reminds me at times of Varane, who played for Real Madrid. He looks a bit like him. He looks very intelligent. He's got great pace for recovery. Strong in the air."
What has Andoni Iraola said about Jacquet?
Jacquet seemed unbeatable on Sunday, constantly appearing to head away dangerous crosses or cut out through balls.
He would end the game with a remarkable eight defensive contributions and 14 line-breaking passes.
"I'm happy for him because he's also received his first international call-up," Andoni Iraola said after the game.
"He's going with France and that is a big national team and I know that he is happy. He's still very young, he is adapting really well to the Premier League."