The chances of Jérémy Jacquet (21) ever having the opportunity to play alongside Paul Pogba (33) for France are, strictly speaking, minimal. Which, as one might imagine given his comments, is certainly a source of some regret for the Liverpool defender.

“Paul Pogba has always been my role model, and he still is,” Jacquet revealed in an interview with Téléfoot. “I used to watch him all the time.”

It’s not as surprising a choice as it might seem, given that the Reds player began his career as a midfielder. It was only later, upon his arrival at Stade Rennais FC, that Jacquet finally began to settle into the role of centre-back, albeit with some reluctance.

Now – already – regarded as a European benchmark in his position, Jacquet has no regrets, but he hasn’t forgotten his first love, which is particularly evident in the quality of his passing and his ability to break through defences. A little bit in the style of a certain… Pogba.