'Incredible' PL man tops list of three Zubimendi alternatives Liverpool have to look at in January - opinion

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Liverpool made a fantastic move in the summer transfer window, not by signing a new midfielder but by relying on their group at the time.

Arne Slot had plenty to do upon his arrival at Liverpool from Feyenoord, having taken over at Anfield from Jurgen Klopp.

But the Liverpool boss remained calm under the pressure, which would have been particularly intense in terms of potential new signings.

Slot only brought in Federico Chiesa from Juventus, with a deal agreed for Giorgi Mamardashvili to join the Reds next summer.

The manager instead focused heavily on outgoings, and his decision-making in the summer has worked wonders so far.

Three Martin Zubimendi alternatives Liverpool should consider

One key area has been midfield, with Michael Owen naming Ryan Gravenberch his Player of the Season in the current Premier League campaign so far.

His impressive displays come after a failed Liverpool move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who opted to stay in Spain.

Liverpool could still move for Zubimendi, but three alternatives have emerged ahead of the January transfer window.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton)

Topping the list should be Brighton ace Carlos Baleba, with the 20-year-old enjoying a superb season for the Seagulls.

Ironically, he was signed as a replacement for Moises Caicedo, who turned down the Reds for a switch to Chelsea instead, with former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi labelling Baleba 'incredible'.

Liverpool do have an interest in Baleba, but it remains to be seen if the Seagulls want to part ways with the youngster, having lost Alexis Mac Allister to the Reds last summer.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Another young Premier League star that the Anfield club have eyed is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

Liverpool looked at Wharton in the summer, with the 20-year-old also impressing this season having recently made his England debut.

He would be a superb addition to Slot's side, although like Baleba he will be increasingly difficult to bring to Anfield as his stock continues to rise.

Hugo Larsson (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Yet another 20-year-old attracting interest from Liverpool is Hugo Larsson, who has caught the eye for both Eintracht Frankfurt and Sweden in recent times.

Like both Baleba and Wharton, he can play in defensive midfield and central midfield, and is only going to get better with time.

It should, however, be stressed that Gravenberch is in no need of being replaced, with Slot simply potentially needing further cover as injuries and fatigue come into play.