Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard thinks Arne Slot should persist with Reds great Mohamed Salah, despite his indifferent run of recent form.
Only Hugo Ekitike has scored more goals for Liverpool than Salah since the start of the season, but Salah's overall performances have been far below the level that observers have come to expect from the Egyptian superstar. Salah has started in all but two of Liverpool's 17 games across the Premier League and Champions League, but recently faced calls to be stood down.
Speaking after Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney said: "If I was Slot, I'd try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team. Salah is not helping them defensively.
"If you're one of the players who they've signed and you're on the bench and you've seen him not running - and again he's a club legend and everything he's done for the club - but if you're on the bench, then what message does that send to you?"
Salah kept his place in the side for the game against PSV, which saw Liverpool lose by a three-goal margin for a third game in succession.
The Egypt superstar produced another disappointing display - prompting Jamie Carragher to say that the player's legs "have gone" - but Gerrard does not think that is the case.
The ex-Liverpool captain believes Salah could play an important role in dragging Liverpool out of the rut that it currently finds itself in.
Mohamed Salah is enduring a difficult season
Mohamed Salah is enduring a difficult season (Image: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)
Gerrard told TNT Sports: "What is the other option [if Salah is dropped]?
"Chiesa is more of an impact player, and I think it sends the wrong message to everyone.
"Liverpool is in a real difficult moment. Salah is a senior player, vice-captain and has been the talisman. He has been an iconic figure here.
"That doesn't mean he should start every single game, and you can rest him or take him off in games, but whoever is managing Liverpool would start Mo Salah. Liverpool needs its best players on the pitch."
Gerrard's former Liverpool teammate, Steve McManaman, was in agreement, saying that Liverpool doesn't have any other option but to persist with the 33-year-old.
"He (Salah) needs to play," McManaman added. "Ngumoha is young.
"If it is (a choice between) Salah or Chiesa, it is Salah every single time."