And once the game kicked off, Liverpool simply couldn’t match the Magpies’ desire and intensity. All over the field, Liverpool looked like it was losing its battles. Sandro Tonali and Joelinton’s physicality was too much to handle and Guimaraes himself added steel as well as silk and flair.

Rumours continue to swirl as their existing contracts run down. And a report in Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Van Dijk has 'made the decision not to renew his contract with Liverpool' and has 'chosen to embark on a new challenge' in the shape of a move to Bayern Munich.