It is the starkness to Ronald Koeman’s words whenever he speaks of Ross Barkley, and the constant insinuations that this is a talent falling short, that fuel the impression of a total disconnect between player and manager.

And yet Koeman, of course, knows exactly how the midfielder is feeling. A year ago the Dutchman himself was prevaricating over a new contract, while suggesting there was nothing unsettling about entering the final 12 months of his deal.

“The main reason [I left Southampton] was that we did not agree about my last year of contract,” he said of the events leading to his move to Everton last summer.

“I mentioned to the club I would like to continue and go into my last year. Then, during