If you had asked Liverpool fans which areas of the squad they were most concerned about before a ball had been kicked this season, then the midfield and defence would undoubtedly have come out on top.
Yet in the case of the latter department, we have since been treated to proof of just how quickly perceptions can change.
Jeremy Jacquet has defied all expectations despite his inexperience, while Ronald Araujo has provided a major boost at both right-back and centre-half after arriving in a loan move that was widely questioned.
Suddenly, the Reds’ depth in defence does not look as light as feared, and they have evidenced as much with improved defensive performances in the Premier League - albeit while looking slightly more porous with much-rotated teams in Europe.
Unfortunately, the concerns around midfield have not been alleviated in similar fashion, instead arguably growing since the season began.
And this area is now threatening to dictate just how far Andoni Iraola can take the Reds in his first season in charge.
It seems clear - though perhaps the line-up to face Crystal Palace is needed as conclusive proof - that the head coach is beginning to settle on a favoured pairing at the base of his midfield.
The first of those is a revitalised Alexis Mac Allister, whose return to form has been as welcome as it was unforeseen.
But just as surprising is the identity of his partner: 19-year-old Trey Nyoni.
During the summer, Liverpool underlined their confidence in the teenager by leaving a pathway open for him to take the departing Curtis Jones’ minutes, but he has since taken on a far bigger role much more quickly than was expected.
That is thanks to a nous against the ball that belies his tender years, and which is shown in the fact he is averaging more defensive contributions per 90 than any other Liverpool player (not just midfielders) this season in the Premier League (13.3).
However, Nyoni’s true superpower is an ability to progress the ball that Liverpool have sorely lacked since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, as demonstrated by a squad-leading 18.2 line-breaking passes per 90.
