Sipke Hulshoff has been a quiet influence on Liverpool’s success since his decision to follow Arne Slot to Anfield – so who exactly is the Dutchman with the clipboard?

Every Batman needs their Robin.

At the side of the pitch and in front of the media, it is Arne Slot who is the leader tasked with bringing strength, direction and success to Liverpool.

Akin to Gotham’s Bat-Signal, it is the Dutchman’s name up in lights, called to build on the supreme foundations laid by Jurgen Klopp.

Nonetheless, it is not a responsibility that he shoulders alone. Always alongside him – even if back from the public glare – is Sipke Hulshoff.

The 47 year-old fellow Dutchman joined Liverpool as first assistant coach alongside Slot, continuing the role he had executed so brilliantly at Feyenoord from 2022 to 2024 when the club won only its second Eredivisie title of this century before backing it up with the Dutch Cup.

Similarly to lead physical performance coach Ruben Peeters, he is a key figure who has gone somewhat under the radar, with fans naturally lionising the main man donning that superhero cape.

Even though he had no professional playing career, Hulshoff...