Those with a superficial understanding of Liverpool FC will surmise that James Milner's skillset somehow doesn't entitle him to wear the club's hallowed No 7 jersey. They remember Kevin Keegan, the man who set Bill Shankly's team and heart alight, and Kenny Dalglish, the greatest of the great.
It is in times of greatest difficulty and doubt that you really discover who your prime assets are, though.
In the dressing room and on the pitch, Milner is the one who has delivered above all others in these attritional past few months. He, more than captain Jordan Henderson, has been the leader.