Meanwhile: A Christian revival at Liverpool

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has this season cemented his status as one of Premier League’s best strikers. But last week he declared that his “biggest title” was the love of Jesus.

The occasion was Firmino’s baptism, which took place in a swimming pool. The brief ceremony can be viewed on Firmino’s Instagram account.

The baptism was performed by Firmino’s Liverpool teammate Alisson Becker, who wept afterwards, and the Christian musician Isaias Saad.

All three men are Brazilian, and Firmino’s decision to become a Christian reflects the growth of Pentecostalism among Brazilians.

It may also reflect the influence of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s charismatic manager and an unembarrassed Christian. “To be a believer, but not to want to talk about it, I do not know how it would work,” he once told the Frankfurter Rundschau. “If anyone asks me about my faith, I give information.

“Not because I claim to be any sort of missionary, but when I look at me and my life – and I take time for that every day – then I feel I am in sensationally good hands.”

Liverpool’s players and manager have good reason to feel grateful: they are currently 16 points clear at the top of the table.