itstargetnews
What will happen then liverpool replace Virgil van Dijk? It’s a question that has vexed Reds fans for some time, but with the Dutchman now 34-years-old and out of contract in 2027, it may be more relevant than ever.
Replacing their captain will certainly not be an easy task. Van Dijk made 353 appearances for the Merseyside side, winning a host of honours, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2018/19.
He is one of the greatest defenders in English football so Liverpool will certainly be dreading the day he leaves. However, with the signing of Jeremy Jacquet, they may have taken the first step towards replacing him.
Why is Jacquet rated so highly?
Late on deadline day, highly-rated French defender Jacquet was confirmed to be moving to Anfield in the summer. Liverpool beat Chelsea to sign the 20-year-old, which cost the club £60.6 million including add-ons.
In fact, there is a lot of hype surrounding the defender. French football expert Julian Lawrence said Jacquet “will be amazing” and compared his rise in Ligue 1 to Arsenal defender and fellow Frenchman William Saliba.
Despite his youth, he played a key role in the season at the Stade Rennes. Jacquet, who came through the same youth academy as Ousmane Dembélé and Desire Douai, has made 18 appearances in France’s top flight this season, playing the full 90 minutes in all but one game.
The six-foot-three defender is a giant who uses his long legs to pinch the ball away from attackers, making him a huge asset when defending set pieces.
Jacquet will be a huge asset to Aaron Slott’s defensive options.
However, he is not the only young defender to sign with Liverpool and could help replace Van Dijk.
Liverpool’s new Virgil van Dijk has joined the club
The signing of Jacquet is undoubtedly a huge coup and the second talented young defender they have signed in the last two years. Italian defender Giovanni Leoni joined the club from Serie A side Parma last summer.
Unfortunately, his first campaign didn’t go as planned. This 19-year-old young man, Football analyst Ben Mattinson described it as The player with “huge potential” tore his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut for the Merseyside outfit.
It was the worst way to start his Liverpool career.
He also impressed that night. He made his debut in the Carabao Cup against Southampton. He made six clearances, received three passes, and had a 100% winning rate in aerial duels.
He has certainly shown the talent he possesses and what he can bring to the Liverpool defence.
In fact, it will be interesting to look at Leoni’s underlying numbers for the 2024/25 Serie A season, in which he has played 17 games.
He put up some strong numbers in his first season in the top flight, including 2.17 tackles and interceptions and 2.54 receptions per 90 minutes.
|
Leoni’s key statistics in Serie A 24/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
every 90 minutes |
season total |
|
tackles and interceptions |
2.17 |
29 |
|
ball recovery |
2.54 |
34 |
|
blocked |
0.82 |
11 |
|
duel won |
3.22 |
43 |
|
Long ball completed |
1.05 |
14 |
|
Statistics come from Ford Mob |
||
The young Italian defender is undoubtedly an exciting talent. He’s also tall, taller than Jacquet at six-foot-five, which makes him “dominant in the air,” as Martinson puts it. This is certainly similar to Van Dijk, who stands equally tall and is known for his prowess in the air.
Between Leoni and Jacquet, Liverpool certainly have two young defenders who could take Van Dijk’s place when the time comes.
They are both highly rated, dominant in the air and excellent box defenders, much like the Reds captain himself.
Both could prove to be better signings than the other, and both could form an excellent partnership at the back. Regardless, Leoni’s return is as important as signing Jacquet.
