Liverpool have now kept eight clean sheets in their last 12 matches, conceding just five.

That sort of record was unthinkable at the start of the season.

But ever since the arrival of Virgil van Dijk for £75 million in January, Jurgen Klopp’s side have suddenly looked solid at the back.

In fact, they’ve now kept 15 clean sheets in the Premier League - just one less than Manchester United who lead the way when it comes to shutouts.

But six months ago, there were serious doubts over Liverpool’s defence.

Back in October, they had already conceded three against Watford, five against Manchester City and had just been beaten 4-1 by Tottenham at Wembley.

So, when Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic appeared on Sky Sports’ The Debate Show a few days later, he didn’t hold back.

WHAT BEGOVIC SAID ABOUT LIVERPOOL IN OCTOBER

“They are not doing the basics of defending and I don’t think they have the pride it takes to be a defender. It’s a combination of things – communication, positioning and the desire to defend is lacking for Liverpool," Begovic said.

“They don’t look organised, they don’t look like they want to defend. I don’t think their first thought is defending.”

They were comments that Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe wasn’t particularly happy with.

 “I don’t agree with what he said but everyone has an opinion and the right to say what they wish," Howe said at the time.

“Me and Asmir did speak about it. From a player’s perspective, I don’t think you ever want to see anyone say anything negative towards any other team in the Premier League, because we’re all competing and we’re all trying to do the same thing.

“It’s very important we all show respect for each other, so it’s not something I’d ever encourage my players to do."

But it’s fair to say Liverpool have got the ultimate revenge on Begovic since.

Just two months after he slated Liverpool, they went to the Vitality Stadium and beat them 4-0.

Then, on Saturday, they put another three past Begovic without reply.

Oh, that’s awkward.

What makes it even more awkward is that Begovic has now conceded the joint-most goals as a goalkeeper this season, along with Stoke City’s Jack Butland with them both picking the ball out of their net 56 times.

That’ll teach him from criticising another side’s defence…