There are obvious qualities a young footballer needs to impress an elite coach like Jurgen Klopp.
No-one can play regularly for a Premier League club such as Liverpool without talent, temperament, courage and athleticism.
But during an in-depth discussion with Liverpool’s Academy Director, Alex Inglethorpe, he emphasises a vital asset which explains why the club’s quadruple bid is being assisted by a golden era of youth development.
“Character,” he says.
“What makes me especially proud is that no-one during Jurgen’s time here has failed because of their character.”
I ask Inglethorpe to elaborate.
“You work 10 years here to earn an audition in front of the first-team manager,” he explains.
“If you are going to fail to impress, make it because you are not quite at the level on the football pitch. It would be foolish to fail because of bad decisions made about the car you drive, the watch you wear, the training shoes.
“Jurgen is switched on to everything. If a kid turned up to first-team training with a 10k watch, he would see it. So would the senior players. You tell me, what would you think?”
“If the senior players think you are a big-time Charlie, the first thing they will do is give you a whack in training to teach you a lesson!” I suggest.
Inglethorpe nods.