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But for the time being, Liverpool is staring down the barrel of ending Klopp's final season with just a Carabao Cup to show for it.

For all his greatness, a place higher than fifth in the Ballon d'Or had always eluded him; a potential quadruple inspired by the Egyptian in Klopp's last season would have been a compelling narrative, especially if coupled with AFCON success.

But not for the first time, Salah's hopes of the award dwindled upon his return from that tournament.

While his numbers for the season remain as impressive as ever, with Salah only just having slipped below a goal contribution per game, few would jump to the Liverpool man when considering who is worthy of the top prize.

Sure enough, Goal's Ballon d'Or power rankings have Salah as a big faller.

Even if Liverpool were to salvage the campaign in dramatic fashion, it seems unlikely that a defender would be the one to receive the recognition.

Van Dijk very nearly ensured Liverpool had a Ballon d'Or winner in the Klopp era, losing out to Lionel Messi by just seven votes in 2019.

While neither he nor Salah look likely to win this year, their status as the most probable candidates is food for thought for Michael Edwards, as both enter the final year of their contracts.

Liverpool.com says: It's a travesty that Salah has never got higher than fifth in the Ballon d'Or.

Hopefully Liverpool can engineer an unlikely comeback on both remaining fronts, improving in the Ballon d'Or power rankings for good measure.