Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt offered signs of renewal under Arne Slot, with Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai forming an “elite” midfield partnership that drew praise from Jay Spearing.
For the first time in weeks, there was rhythm, cohesion and, crucially, control qualities that had deserted the side during a damaging run of four straight defeats.
The result, and the performance that accompanied it, offered the clearest sign yet that the squad might be rediscovering its identity. Slot’s tweaks both in selection and in shape were decisive.
A slight adjustment in formation and a few bold personnel calls brought about the kind of balance that had been missing.
Liverpool fell behind early to a clever finish from Rasmus Kristensen, yet the response was commanding. From that point onwards, the visitors dominated proceedings, pinning the German hosts back and dictating the tempo.
One of the key shifts was the return of Hugo Ekitike to the starting XI. The French forward’s inclusion gave Liverpool a new dynamic in the final third direct, purposeful, and hard-working off the ball. But it was the midfield that truly set the tone.
The pairing of Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai was at the heart of everything Liverpool did well. In the absence of Ryan Gravenberch, the duo brought both energy and structure, knitting play together and ensuring Liverpool stayed compact even when committing bodies forward.
Jones, in particular, produced the sort of display that has too often eluded him this season authoritative, disciplined, and assured in possession. His ability to glide between lines and link phases of play gave Liverpool a level of control they have sorely lacked.
It did not go unnoticed. Jay Spearing, the club’s academy player-coach and a figure who knows Jones’ game better than most, was glowing in his assessment on The Official Liverpool FC Podcast.
“Yeah, I think, you know, for me, I think if you look at a few individuals, I think they’ve played well this season,” Spearing said. “I think Curtis has probably played himself into the team. And I thought he was exceptional tonight.
“I thought him and Dominik Szoboszlai controlled the whole game. I thought the levels that they played at were well above you know, they were Champions League elite for me.”
That partnership, fleeting as it may have been, was arguably the most encouraging aspect of the evening. Szoboszlai’s dynamism complemented Jones’ composure, and together they managed the rhythm of the game with maturity and precision.
For Jones, this was more than just a strong showing it was a reminder of his value. The 24-year-old has had a stop-start campaign, his opportunities limited amid Slot’s search for a settled midfield. Yet on this evidence, he deserves a run of games to prove he can deliver consistency, not just flashes.
Whether that happens remains to be seen. Slot has shown a preference this season for using Federico Chiesa in advanced roles and, with Ryan Gravenberch nearing a return, competition for places will only intensify.
Still, Jones has made his case. He has demonstrated that Liverpool have another viable midfield configuration one capable of controlling matches without losing attacking fluency.
This was a night when much of what Slot has been striving for finally came together: structure, energy, and conviction. If Liverpool are to build from here, integrating players like Jones who understand the club’s rhythm and demands will be key.
The challenge now is to ensure that this wasn’t a one-off. For the first time in weeks, Liverpool looked like Liverpool again. Now comes the harder part sustaining it.
