French media criticize Jeremy Jacquet's 'glaring error' in 'lackluster' display

Liverpool's summer arrival played his first match for Rennes after the news of his move to Anfield was confirmed on Monday, but he endured a disappointing night in Marseille

Jeremy Jacquet struggled in his first appearance for Rennes after his transfer to Liverpool was confirmed(Image: Getty Images)

Jeremy Jacquet’s first game after confirmation of his transfer to Liverpool didn’t quite go to plan as his current employer, Rennes, was dumped out of the Coupe de France by Marseille.

The center-back’s £60 million ($82M) move to Liverpool was announced on Monday, but Jacquet made it clear that he wants to remain with Rennes until the end of the season and help the club qualify for Europe.

That positive end to the campaign has not started as he hoped, with Jacquet contributing to a woeful team display, as Rennes lost 3-0 at the Stade Velodrome. The 20-year-old was also at fault for Mason Greenwood’s goal, due to what Footmercato described as a "glaring positional error."

The outlet was not impressed by his display in the cup exit, handing Jacquet a 4.5 rating out of 10. “He was expected to make an impact after the official announcement of his €72 million transfer to Liverpool next season,” the outlet wrote.

“The future Red generally delivered, attempting to initiate the play with triangular passing. His runs forward with the ball were also promising but never rewarded (37th minute).

“However, his positioning on Samba's clearance was a point of criticism, leaving Ait Boudlal isolated and left to fend for himself (46th minute). He won't be going on holiday with Balerdi.”

Jeremy Jacquet started for Rennes against Marseille just a day after signing for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Homme du Match also handed Jacquet a 4.5 rating and wrote: "He must have been thinking this summer, ‘I can't wait to go to Liverpool’. The future Reds defender delivered a lackluster performance, on par with his team."

French soccer website Get French Football News also dolled out a harsh assessment, though he did earn a 5/10 rating.

The report read: “Now he’s been bought by Liverpool, the €50m price-tag is already hanging over each performance with supporters of the Reds watching.

“His advanced positions on the ball were interesting, but he looked exposed defensively in the second half, especially with Greenwood’s pace on the counter-attack.”

Jacquet was at fault for Mason Greenwood's goal(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, L’Equipe was surprised the youngster played at all after a tumultuous 24 hours, with the newspaper implying it may have been best to omit Jacquet following the news of his transfer to Liverpool.

There will be further opportunities for Liverpool supporters to watch Jacquet before his summer arrival.

Rennes has 14 more league matches this term and is still in the hunt for a European place. Indeed, he could end up facing the club next season at Liverpool. Jacquet has played in 18 of Rennes’ 20 league matches this season, only missing two due to suspension.