Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Jeremy Jacquet has the potential to become the greatest center-back in Premier League history, with the 21-year-old Frenchman impressing

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has backed Jeremy Jacquet to potentially become the finest center-back in Premier League history.

The French international arrived at the Reds from Rennes during the summer transfer window, and it hasn't taken long for the 21-year-old to make an impact at Anfield under Andoni Iraola.

Jacquet benefits from having one of the finest mentors any young defender could hope for in Liverpool partner Virgil van Dijk, a two-time Premier League winner. And while clean sheets have proved elusive for Iraola's team this campaign, Jacquet is fulfilling his part in driving the club toward success following an uncertain beginning.

"Without a doubt, Jacquet is among the best center-backs in the league," he told Betarades. "To be honest, I'd never seen him play before he made his way to the Premier League.

"I'd obviously heard things, but I'd never seen him play. Then obviously when I did see him play, I was like, 'Wow, how have I never seen that before?' Like you'd think it would be a ram down and exit, like it is in the Premier League.

"But to me, he has everything. To be so young, he's so good on the ball, so calm, proper athlete, quick, strong. If he keeps improving, he could literally probably end up being the best center-back the Premier League has ever seen.

"Of course, players like Virgil, they can't be replaced. But you can get very good players that can perform.

"So you wouldn't want him to replace Van Dijk, you'd like to keep them both together...It's not about replacing Van Dijk, but Jacquet can sort of fill that void in terms of like a big character that can dominate strikers the way Virg does.

"The longer you keep them two together, the longer you have Liverpool rubbing their hands together."

Jacquet completed the full 90 minutes on Tuesday as Liverpool fought back to defeat Villarreal 4-3 in the Champions League.

The Reds have conceded 10 goals in their last four fixtures but are currently enjoying a run of three consecutive victories following a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City.

It's perhaps indicative of the attacking philosophy Iraola is attempting to instill at the club, which has seen a succession of goal-laden encounters recently. Iraola's inclination may be to tighten things up defensively in due course, though that will be of little concern provided his team continues collecting victories.

Liverpool has another promising defensive talent in Giovanni Leoni waiting for his opportunity. However, the 19-year-old is being prudently managed during his rehabilitation from a lengthy knee injury and has yet to establish much of a first-team presence.

Jacquet, who earned his debut senior France caps during the previous international window, is demonstrating he's prepared for the test at this very moment, though. And should Van Dijk depart when his deal runs out next summer, Liverpool has at minimum one talented prospect ready to assist in assuming the responsibility.