The off-the-pitch traits of Nathaniel Phillips and Ozan Kabak are helping the centre-half partnership flourish for Liverpool, Pepijn Lijnders believes.
The duo have kept clean sheets in all three of the fixtures they have started together in the heart of the Reds' backline.
And in the eyes of the club's assistant manager, their opportunities and subsequent plaudits are richly deserved.
"Nathaniel is an example where determination and respect can bring you, and an example how collectively this team and staff is working," Lijnders told Liverpoolfc.com.
"He puts his head where other players don't put their feet.