The post-match chatter, once again, carried a familiar refrain. No Liverpool game takes place these days without the midfield being discussed and so it proved after Bournemouth’s blitzing.
This time, though, there was a twist. Rather than attracting scrutiny and criticism, talk about Jurgen Klopp’s engine room revolved around the fearlessness and enthusiasm that characterised the performances of two dashing tyros.
Harvey Elliott, with his corkscrew curls and his sweet left foot, has long been at the forefront of Klopp’s mind.
At the end of last season, Liverpool’s manager chided himself and said it was ‘a crime’ that he had been unable to give the 19-year-old more chances.