It's an easy comparison to make but no less appropriate. When Liverpool were faced with an almost impossible task after losing 3-0 at Barcelona in their Champions League semi-final seven years ago, the unavailable Mohamed Salah rocked up for the Anfield return wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the message: "Never give up."

We all know what happened next. Fast forward to Saturday, however, and Virgil van Dijk, sifting through the wreckage of a dismal 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final reverse at Manchester City, admitted the Reds were guilty of throwing in the towel at the Etihad.

With a plethora of appearances and honours under his belt, and as the only player to feature in both matches, Van Dijk's comments should carry greater resonance than most.

A campaign of unprecedented hurdles and regular setbacks has undoubtedly sapped the energy, enthusiasm and self-belief of a Liverpool side that too often have been their own worst enemy.

FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page

And while there will...