At the peak of Liverpool’s success, Bob Paisley would be asked to name his favoured starting XI.

“Same as last year,” he replied.

Such consistency in personnel is increasingly rare in the moden world of squad reconstruction and rotation, but Jurgen Klopp is optimistic he will soon make a similar observation about his defence.

The average age of Liverpool’s current back four is just under 25. It will drop further when 21-year-old Joe Gomez, fit to return to the squad at Southampton on Friday, is considered ready to resume his partnership with Virgil Van Dijk. The backline could stay together for at least another five years and it is a frightening proposition that - despite already threatening club records - it is not fully matured.

"They have a long career ahead, which is cool, and how it looks at the moment is that they want to spend the majority of their careers here, which is cool as well," said Klopp.

Klopp’s side has conceded 19 goals in 32 fixtures, on course to secure Liverpool’s best defensive record in a league campaign since 1979.