Van Dijk says Jacquet needs time after Liverpool beat Como 2-0

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says Jérémy Jacquet will need time to adjust to Premier League football after the new defender scored on his debut in a 2-0 pre-season victory over Como.

Jacquet’s first appearance for Liverpool included a goal, but Van Dijk believes the performance was only an early step in building an effective defensive partnership. The captain said connections between defenders develop through competitive matches, which offer different demands from training.

Van Dijk also highlighted Jacquet’s ability to communicate in English. He said the defender’s language skills should help him work with his teammates on the pitch, while stressing that understanding defensive situations also comes from the players’ shared football instincts.

The Liverpool captain described the time needed to establish that understanding as normal. Jacquet must become familiar with the movement, decisions and communication required alongside the club’s other defenders, with matches expected to accelerate that process.

The victory over Como was part of Liverpool’s preparation for the new campaign and did not affect the Premier League table. Liverpool finished fifth last season and will begin their league schedule away to Newcastle United on August 23, giving Jacquet time to continue adapting before the competitive fixtures start.