Liverpool debutant Jeremy Jacquet was thrown into the deep end during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.
The young French centre-back experienced a baptism of fire at St. James’ Park, likening the atmosphere on Tyneside to one of European football’s most notoriously intimidating arenas.
Jacquet, 21, recently completed his transfer to Anfield following an impressive rise through the ranks in Ligue 1.
Jeremy Jacquet: ‘St James’ Park is like Marseille’s Stade Velodrome’
Handed his Premier League bow in front of 52,000 roaring Geordies, the highly-rated defender found himself thrust into the thick of a fiercely contested battle.
Speaking to French broadcaster Canal Plus, as quoted by Get French Football News, after the final whistle, Jacquet drew parallels between Newcastle’s home and Olympique de Marseille’s famous Stade Velodrome.
Across France and the wider European continent, Marseille’s home ground is revered and feared in equal measure. It carries a reputation as an ear-splitting cauldron of hostility, where ultras create a visually spectacular and loud environment for visiting teams.
It seems the Geordie faithful managed to replicate that wall of sound on Sunday afternoon, offering the young Frenchman a stark welcome to the English top flight.
“The atmosphere? It wasn’t bad. It reminded me a bit of the Velodrome,” the young defender confessed. “It’s an iconic stadium, fans shouting everywhere. That’s why I’m here. I like that.”
The newly arrived centre-back claimed to relish the intimidation, taking the St. James’ Park decibel levels in his stride, although he was substituted during the second half for the more experienced Ronald Araujo, on loan at Liverpool from Barcelona.