Even in the aftermath of a 6-3 win and the most entertaining game of the season, the conversation immediately turned to the big uncertainty that is hanging over Liverpool: the futures of its three star players.

This time it was Trent Alexander-Arnold under the spotlight after another excellent display, in which he set up the first goal for Luis Diaz and played a key pass in the build up to Dominik Szoboszlai ’s strike just before the break, as the Reds ran out comfortable winners over Tottenham Hotspur.

The Sky Sports’ post-match studio analysis went through each goal before almost immediately turning to the subject of Alexander-Arnold and his future. Jamie Carragher vociferously argued that the right-back should consider the reaction of fans when deciding his future, while Les Ferdinand was in agreement that departing for free would change the mood around any possible exit.

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As for Jamie Redknapp, he was on a one-man, free-spirited campaign to convince his fellow pundits that Alexander-Arnold should be free of judgement whatever path he takes. Try telling that to Liverpool fans.

It’s always hard for supporters to let a boyhood fan from the local area, who has come through the youth academy and established himself as an elite talent, just walk away. In fact, there aren’t many of them in the Premier League - just Marcus Rashford (whose time at Old Trafford is drawing to a close), Phil Foden and Reece James fit into that very specific criteria.

It’s why supporters hold such players in high regard, why they defend them so resolutely and cling to them so tightly. They’re set on a pedestal, considered almost a deity to some. That’s why it stings that much more when they choose to walk away.

There was evidence of that just this weekend when Jack Grealish returned to Villa Park. A boyhood Aston Villa fan who slowly developed into a $125 million player in front of supporters’ eyes; few in the history of that famous club have been adored to such an extent. And it’s hard to think of anyone in recent times who has singularly done so much for just one team - without Grealish, there’s every chance Villa wouldn’t even be in the Premier League now, let alone the Champions League.

And, on his first start at Villa Park since signing for Manchester City, did it save him from the wrath of the fans who once idolised him? Absolutely not. If anything it was the opposite, every bad touch or missed shot jeered, Matty Cash’s strong challenge on him loudly applauded, while Grealish was on the receiving end of several uncomplimentary chants.

There’s a warning there for Alexander-Arnold that, should he opt to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, his returns to Anfield in subsequent years could evoke the same partizan reaction from his former supporters. Carragher’s right, it will tarnish his reputation with the club he signed for at the age of six.

That he would leave for free also exacerbates the situation. Grealish ensured his boyhood Villans were at least well compensated when he departed - and look at the reception he endured. Indeed, so vexed was the England international that he didn’t even acknowledge the home fans and instead held three defiant fingers up to the crowd, to clearly indicate that the titles he has since won justified his decision.

The relationship has become toxic. It’s surely not what Alexander-Arnold wants, no matter how alluring the Madrid sunshine may feel.