Liverpool's pursuit of Jeremy Jacquet — won in competition with Chelsea — is starting to look like a shrewd piece of business for the Anfield club.
Since arriving, Jacquet has established himself in the first-team set-up and produced a string of assured performances that have eased concerns about the risk involved in signing him. The defender's assimilation into Liverpool's style has given the coaching staff additional options and depth at the back.
The decision to prioritise Jacquet over other targets was described by some as a gamble, but early returns suggest the club’s recruitment and coaching structures have been able to get the best from him. His presence has relieved pressure on other members of the defence and provided tactical flexibility for the manager.
Had Liverpool not acted decisively to secure Jacquet, the trajectory of their defensive rebuild this season might have been markedly different. As things stand, the transfer is shaping up to be an example of timely intervention in the transfer market paying off on the pitch.