Zubimendi who? The No 6 replacement that was right under our noses

Ryan Gravenberch has gone from the bench to one of the first names on the team sheet with his excellent performances in holding midfield.

The Dutchman has been reinvigorated by both the arrival of fellow countryman Slot and the change in formation which the new gaffer has brought about.

Slot has picked the 22-year-old in holding midfield for every match so far this season, a choice richly rewarded with three wins and zero goals conceded. The Reds are now the only team in the league who have not been scored against.

A couple of weeks ago, we identified progressive passing and ball retention as two priorities in a potential No 6 signing. On his current form, Gravenberch is excelling in both of these areas.

According to statistics from the Premier League, he has only been dispossessed once in the league this season, and 53% of his passes have been progressive. His passing accuracy sits at 89%.

In isolation, these statistics look great, but they get even better when you compare the Dutchman with his midfield partner.

Mac Allister enjoyed a fantastic season after signing from Brighton last year, and has had similar success at the start of this campaign. Currently, however, Gravenberch is stealing the spotlight.

He boasts better statistics per 90 minutes than the Argentinian, surpassing him in both defensive and offensive areas.

Helped by his 6ft2" frame, Gravenberch has won every aerial duel, and over half of ground duels. He is on level footing with Mac Allister for tackles made.

Up the other end, the 22-year-old has enjoyed better passing accuracy and has played more forward passes. He has also lost possession less often and been tackled less than his midfield partner.

Gravenberch was particularly impressive against Manchester United, stepping into the opposition half constantly to press and intercept opposition passes. It was his clever interception and pass that fed Salah, who assisted Diaz for the opener.

We are only three matches in, of course, and it would be unrealistic to expect Gravenberch to maintain this incredible form for the whole season. But given the noise around the lack of a No 6 signing, it is very promising that Slot seems to have found a solution within the squad.