Liverpool Q&A: Should Federico Chiesa start over Mohamed Salah?

Liverpool's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel addressed fan questions regarding Mohamed Salah's form and the impact of missing Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold. In response to a query about replacing Salah with Federico Chiesa due to Salah's perceived poor start, Mokbel defended Salah, emphasizing his ability to win matches instantly and noting his three goals this season, which trail only Hugo Ekitike's five. He cautioned against writing off Salah, given his consistent brilliance over the years.

Regarding the absence of Diaz and Alexander-Arnold, Mokbel highlighted their crucial roles in Liverpool's previous success under Arne Slot. He pointed out that Alexander-Arnold's passing and ability to unlock defenses from wide areas are sorely missed, as evidenced by the team's struggles at right-back. Similarly, Diaz's ball-carrying skills, tenacity, and goal-scoring prowess were key assets last season. Mokbel asserted that most fans should respect their contributions, particularly Alexander-Arnold's long service at Anfield before joining Real Madrid, and dismissed any lack of appreciation as misguided.