Liverpool have saved £51m as duo spare Arne Slot from spending big in January

failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi left many wondering if Arne Slot was lacking sufficient quality in midfield. Seven matches into the Premier League season and with the Reds top of the table, those fears have long since been shunned.

Ryan Gravenberch has excelled as a No. 6 this season and stepped up against stronger opposition on Sunday. The Dutchman's partner, Curtis Jones, was the best player on the pitch.

In a match where transitions and turnovers were likely to be plentiful, Jones was the perfect player for Arne Slot to deploy in midfield. The 23-year-old is tenacious off the ball, an excellent presser who barely gave his Chelsea counterparts a moment's peace.

In possession, Jones was pinpoint with his passing and his movement enabled Liverpool to find themselves beyond Chelsea's midfield on several occasions. Ultimately, it was his touch and poked attempt from Mohamed Salah's cross which sealed yet another three points for Slot.

Jones was likely picked ahead of Alexis Mac Allister for his intensity, even though there were fitness concerns hanging over the Argentine. But all three of Slot's deeper midfield options have shone in the Premier League this season and have ensured that there is no reason to enter the January window for another big-money signing. Zubimendi might have been considered again, with his £51million release clause still active.

"I keep thinking, 'will Arne Slot go back in for Zubimendi in January', but when you see performances like that, you're thinking 'no'," former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"Maybe Liverpool can still do with a midfielder, but when you've got someone like Curtis Jones and those three battling for two positions, that's a great quality."

Gravenberch's discipline in the deepest midfield position has come as a surprise. In the top-flight this season, the former Ajax star has won 45 duels, made 48 recoveries, been successful in seven 50-50 battles, and made 12 interceptions.

Of those categories, Gravenberch's figures are higher than those of Arsenal star Declan Rice. He also betters Moises Caicedo in all except duels, of which the Chelsea player has won 54.

In the long-term, Slot may want an elite holding midfielder to elevate his team to the next level. But with the extremely consistent Jones or Mac Allister alongside Gravenberch, there is no reason why Liverpool cannot challenge for the Premier League title without a January upgrade.