There’s something special about watching a seasoned leader genuinely light up for a younger teammate. After Liverpool’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Bournemouth, that moment arrived in clear view.
Virgil van Dijk stood alongside Jérémy Jacquet as the Frenchman was named Man of the Match. The Liverpool captain’s face said everything before the words did. Beaming, proud, almost paternal. Then came the hug and the simple, warm message: “Congratulations brother, well deserved! Let’s go… one of many!”
It wasn’t just politeness. Van Dijk was clearly impressed.
A masterclass from the new boy
Jacquet had just delivered a defensive performance that justified the £60 million Liverpool paid Rennes for him. In a tight, low-chance game, the 21-year-old was outstanding: eight defensive contributions, six ball recoveries, three out of four ground duels won, and calm, progressive distribution from the back. He helped the Reds keep a third consecutive Premier League clean sheet.
Van Dijk, never one to overhype, still made his feelings plain. “He has showed a lot of good things so far this season. He’s still so young. He still has a lot to learn… he had a very good game, very good season so far.”
The veteran’s tone carried the mix of praise and gentle caution that older players often reserve for those they see real potential in. Stay calm. Keep working. But also: this is the start of something.
The proud energy
Football is full of forced praise and media-friendly soundbites. This felt different. The embrace, the smile, the “brother” and “one of many” — it was the look of a senior pro who sees a younger version of the standards he has set for years. Van Dijk has been the standard-bearer at the heart of Liverpool’s defence for a long time. Watching a new partner not just cope but excel, and then celebrating him so openly, carried real weight.
Jacquet himself has spoken about how much he wants to learn from Van Dijk. The Dutchman, in turn, is already showing he is willing to teach — and to enjoy the ride while doing it.
Quietly becoming indispensable
Since arriving, Jacquet has made the centre-back spot his own. While full-back positions have been fluid and other options have rotated, the young Frenchman has been a near-constant. Recovery from a shoulder injury earlier in the year meant a delayed pre-season, yet he has looked composed from the first competitive whistle. The least nervous thing about him lately has been answering questions in English — a small but telling detail about how settled he already appears.
Van Dijk’s public support only adds to that sense of belonging. When the captain looks at you like a proud dad and tells the cameras your Man of the Match award is just the first of many, it sends a message around the dressing room and beyond.
Liverpool’s defence still has layers and competition. Partnerships take time, as Van Dijk himself has previously noted. But the early signs between the experienced leader and his young partner are strong. And on the evidence of Bournemouth, the captain is more than happy to celebrate every step of the way.
One of many, indeed.
