Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey believes Jérémy Jacquet has what it takes to become Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor at Anfield, describing the young defender as the “real deal”.
Jacquet has impressed on the international stage for France, strengthening the belief that Liverpool have a player capable of eventually stepping into Van Dijk’s shoes.
Heskey believes Liverpool’s decision to bring Jacquet to the club was part of a long-term succession plan, with the defender now having the ideal opportunity to learn from one of the best centre-backs of his generation.
Heskey backs Jacquet to succeed Van Dijk
Speaking exclusively to 10bet, Heskey suggested Liverpool should already be thinking about life after Van Dijk despite the Dutchman continuing to play a key role for the Reds.
“I think that’s where you’ve got to be looking – the heir to the throne, really,” said the former England striker.
“When Liverpool signed him, they would have been squad planning, succession planning, because as magnificent as Virgil is, we know that he can’t play forever.
“Jérémy Jacquet is showing a lot of talent and a lot of composure.
“Playing alongside Virgil – what a learning experience for the player, what a tutor to have.
“He looks like the man that is going to step into his shoes, so he’s going to learn a lot from him.
“He looks like he could be the real deal.”
Unique insight
Jacquet’s development alongside Van Dijk could therefore prove crucial, with the experienced Liverpool captain able to offer the youngster a unique insight into what is required to operate at the highest level.
For Heskey, Jacquet’s composure and early performances suggest Liverpool could already have a potential long-term answer to one of the biggest questions they will face when Van Dijk eventually moves on.
Heskey praises Klopp’s impact on Wirtz
Heskey also discussed Florian Wirtz and the influence Jürgen Klopp can have on players, praising the former Liverpool manager’s ability to understand his players and bring out their best qualities.
“You’ve got to remember that Jürgen Klopp is probably up there with the best of the best, so he knows how to get the best out of players,” Heskey stated.
“He knows how players’ minds work. He knows what they want and how they feel, and he’s shown that time and time again – not just with Wirtz, but with every player that he’s come across.
“That’s why there are so many players that mention that they’d love to play under him, because they believe that he could understand them and get the best out of them.”
Right balance for Reds
However, Heskey believes Liverpool must find the right balance with Wirtz rather than completely restructure the team around the Germany international.
Asked whether Andoni Iraola can afford to give Wirtz the same freedom, Heskey added: “I think it’s difficult to say and do.
“If Iraola gave Wirtz that level of freedom, he would be changing his entire team structure for one player.
“Liverpool must figure out how to get the best out of him within the structure that the manager likes.
“A manager is always going to have a structure that he prefers and that he likes, and then he’s got to figure out who fits where best and how he and the players around Wirtz can get the best out of him.
“So, changing everything to suit one player is very tough – the balance of the team and the overall chemistry has to be prioritised.”
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