But Suarez has always been a defensive grafter. More impressive still is the way Rodgers has transformed players not naturally attuned to defensive responsibility. Philippe Coutinho arrived with a reputation for feyness, yet he has been transformed into a pint-sized destroyer, making more tackles than any other attacking player in the league. While his winning goal against Manchester City caught the eye last week, of equal value was his immense defensive presence, winning the ball more times than anybody else. “I’ve been trying to improve my intensity, marking and defensive forms in training,” he said recently. In the same category lies Raheem Sterling, whose pressing game has improved beyond recognition.