Criticism of Salah, especially, reflects the fickleness of the age. The Egyptian has fallen below his standards since his return from African Cup of Nations duty, his pace, touch and ice-coldness in the penalty area deserting him.

Such is Salah’s legend, the hamstring injury he suffered at Afcon must be considered a mitigating factor. Salah began this season as good as ever, justifying Liverpool’s stance in 2023 that not even a bid of £150 million from the Saudi Pro League would seduce them to sell.

Before January, Salah scored 14 goals in 20 Premier League matches, in his usual position as a Golden Boot contender, and was emerging as a leader as likely to assist as be the matchwinner.

His goals and assists per minute have significantly dropped in 2024, as has his shot conversion rate. There are no public indications the injury is still troubling him, but the idea his legs have gone mid-season is far-fetched.