Liverpool’s newly debuted Jeremy Jacquet faced a daunting challenge during Sunday’s hard-fought 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
The promising French central defender underwent a trial by fire at St. James’ Park, comparing the intense environment on Tyneside to one of the most notoriously hostile stadiums in European football.
The 21-year-old Jacquet recently sealed his move to Anfield after catching the eye with his rapid development in Ligue 1.
Jeremy Jacquet: ‘St James’ Park draws comparisons to Marseille’s Stade Velodrome’
Making his Premier League debut before a raucous crowd of 52,000 Newcastle supporters, the highly regarded defender was immediately plunged into a highly competitive contest.
The matchup featured a back-and-forth struggle between Liverpool and Newcastle, with both teams taking a point after a chaotic ninety minutes concluded in a 2-2 stalemate. Although the on-pitch action was incredibly intense, the constant roar from the stands truly resonated with the debutant.
In an interview with the French network Canal Plus (relayed by Get French Football News) following the match, Jacquet compared Newcastle’s home turf to Olympique de Marseille’s legendary Stade Velodrome.
Throughout France and across Europe, Marseille’s stadium is both celebrated and dreaded. It is renowned as a deafening, hostile arena where passionate ultras produce a dramatic and incredibly noisy atmosphere for opposing sides.
The Newcastle supporters appeared to recreate that intense wall of sound on Sunday, giving the young French player a memorable introduction to life in the Premier League.
“The crowd? It was impressive. It brought back memories of the Velodrome,” the young center-back admitted. “It is a legendary venue with supporters roaring throughout. This is exactly why I joined. I thrive on it.”
The newly signed defender insisted he enjoyed the hostile environment, remaining unfazed by the deafening noise at St. James’ Park, even though he was replaced in the second half by the seasoned Ronald Araujo, who is currently on loan at Anfield from Barcelona.
