Liverpool fans are still debating which summer departure hit the club hardest, but according to James Pearce, losing Trent Alexander-Arnold has proved more damaging than the exit of Luis Diaz.

The Colombian winger has enjoyed a sensational debut season at Bayern Munich, netting 26 goals across all competitions. His pace and unpredictability are exactly what Liverpool's attack has lacked at times under Arne Slot, with Cody Gakpo struggling to fill the void on the left flank.

Writing for The Athletic, Pearce acknowledged Diaz's brilliance but argued that Alexander-Arnold's absence has disrupted the team's overall structure even more. "He was such a creative force with his passing," Pearce noted. "That right-hand side was so settled and strong with Mohamed Salah and Alexander-Arnold in tandem."

The numbers back him up. Liverpool's once-dominant right flank, built on the telepathic understanding between Salah and the Scouser, has crumbled this season. Salah's output has dipped, while injuries to right-backs Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have left the side scrambling. Using Dominik Szoboszlai in that role has only weakened the midfield.

Steven Gerrard has even called for Liverpool to re-sign Diaz to replace Salah, such has been the former No. 7's impact in Germany. But for Pearce, the creative void left by Alexander-Arnold—and the ripple effects across the entire team—makes his exit the one Liverpool have missed most.