Jeremy Jacquet can 'define his generation of defenders', according to the French centre-back's former youth coach at Rennes. Liverpool made a statement of intent this week when they splashed out £60m on a deal to bring the 20-year-old starlet to Anfield for the start of next season.

The Reds currently have deep uncertainty in their defensive ranks, with Ibrahima Konate out of contract at the end of the season, Giovanni Leoni recovering from a serious injury and Virgil van Dijk set to turn 35 in July.

Left-back Andy Robertson was also subject to firm interest from Tottenham Hotspur during the January transfer window, suggesting that the Liverpool rearguard could soon undergo a serious refurbishment.

But the capture of rising star Jacquet, who has excelled with French Ligue 1 side Rennes and was also wanted by Premier League rivals Chelsea, is a...