Liverpool’s encouraging start under Andoni Iraola has produced plenty of talking points, but perhaps the clearest indication of progress comes at opposite ends of the pitch.

Alexander Isak is scoring goals. Jeremy Jacquet is helping prevent them.

Both Liverpool players have now been shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Month award for September, recognition of two very different contributions to Iraola’s developing side.

The full list of nominees are: Mohamed Belloumi (Hull City), Jayden Bogle (Leeds United), Pascal Grob (Brighton), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Charalampos Kostoulas (Brighton), Kevin Schade (Brentford) and Antoine Semenyo (Man City).

For Isak, the numbers tell a fairly straightforward story.

Three Premier League appearances in September brought three goals, taking him to within one of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the early Golden Boot standings.

That matters because last season never really allowed Liverpool to see the player they had invested so heavily in. Injuries disrupted Isak’s campaign and prevented him from developing any sustained rhythm.

September has looked very different.