When the time comes, how Liverpool replace Virgil van Dijk? It’s a question that has been on the minds of Reds fans for some time, but with the Dutchman now 34 and out of contract in 2027, it is perhaps more relevant than ever.
Replacing their captain will certainly not be easy. Van Dijk has made 353 appearances for the Merseysiders, winning numerous accolades including two Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2018/19.
He is one of the greatest defenders in English football, so Liverpool must be dreading the day he leaves. However, by signing Jeremy Jacquet, they may have taken the first step towards replacing him.
Why Jacquet is so highly rated
It was confirmed late on deadline day that highly-rated French defender Jacquet would be moving to Anfield this summer. Liverpool beat off competition from Chelsea to sign the 20-year-old, who will cost the club £60.6 million including add-ons.
Indeed, there is a lot of hype surrounding the defender. French football expert Julien Laurens said Jacquet “is going to be incredible”, comparing his rise in Ligue 1 to that of Arsenal defender and fellow Frenchman William Saliba.
Despite his young age, he played a key role in Stade Rennais’ season. Jacquet, who came through the same academy as Ousmane Dembélé and Desirie Doué, has played 18 times in the French top flight this season, playing 90 minutes in all but one of those matches.
Standing at six foot three, the defender is a colossus, using his long legs to pinch the ball from an attacker and making it a huge asset when defending set pieces.
Jacquet will be a major asset to Aren Slot’s defensive options.
However, he is not the only young defender under contract with Liverpool who could help replace Van Dijk.
Liverpool’s new Van Dijk is already at the club
The signing of Jacquet is certainly a massive coup, and he is the second talented young defender they have signed in the last two years. Last summer, Italian defender Giovanni Leoni joined the club from Serie A side Parma.
Unfortunately, his first campaign did not go as planned. The 19 year old, described by football analyst Ben Mattinson as a player with “big potential”, tore his anterior cruciate ligament during his debut for the Merseysiders.
It was the worst possible way for his Liverpool career to start.
He also made a strong impression that evening. His debut came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, where the teenager made six clearances, three recoveries and won 100% of his aerial duels.
He has certainly shown the talent he possesses and what he can bring to the Liverpool defense.
Indeed, it is interesting to look at Leoni’s underlying numbers from Serie A 2024/25, in which he played 17 matches.
He posted strong statistics in his first campaign in top-flight football, including 2.17 tackles and interceptions and 2.54 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.
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Leoni’s key stats in Serie A 24/25 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistical |
Per 90 minutes |
Season total |
|
Tackles and interceptions |
2.17 |
29 |
|
Ball recoveries |
2.54 |
34 |
|
Blocked shots |
0.82 |
11 |
|
Duels won |
3.22 |
43 |
|
Long balls finished |
1.05 |
14 |
|
Statistics of Fotomob |
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The young Italian defender is certainly an exciting talent. He’s also tall, taller than Jacquet (6-foot-5), which makes him “air dominant,” as Mattinson puts it. This certainly looks similar to Van Dijk, who stands at the same height and is known for being excellent in the air.
Between Leoni and Jacquet, Liverpool certainly have two young defenders who can take Van Dijk’s place when the time comes.
They are both highly rated, dominant in the air and good defenders of the box, just like the Reds captain himself.
Neither could prove to be a better signing than the other, and the two could form a superb duo at the back. Either way, Leoni’s return will be just as important as Jacquet’s signing.
