France U21s star Rayan Cherki outshone Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott in what would have been a huge transfer message for Arne Slot. Two years after the Young Lions overcame France 4-0 in a friendly, Les Bleus came steaming back with a vengeance, blowing Lee Carsley's side away with a ruthless 5-3 triumph.
Cherki was the one setting up goals, providing two assists in the opening seven minutes as France turned a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead. Hugo Ekitike, another player reportedly on Liverpool's radar, scored the second goal and added a third from close range following a low cross from Tottenham's Wilson Odobert. Elliott managed to reduce the deficit two minutes later, scoring a close-range header after being set up by James McAtee of Manchester City.
However, early in the second half, Odobert provided another assist for Ekitike to score his third goal of the match. Liam Delap made a comeback just past the 60-minute mark, being the first to react after an audacious McAtee dink bounced off the post.
Rico Lewis then secured a penalty for England, with Elliott stepping up to level the score - but his shot soared over the crossbar. Instead, France netted the eighth and final goal of the match, with Cherki darting in from the right wing and squeezing a shot through the legs of England's goalkeeper, James Beadle.
Any Liverpool scouts watching Elliott would have been reminded of the talents Cherki and Ekitike bring to the table. The sight of them working together for their country was impressive and could become more common if they join the same team this summer.
While hat-trick hero Ekitike took all of the plaudits, Cherki was one of the stars who shone brightest in Paris. The Lyon ace was recently linked with a move to Anfield, having impressed again this season.
The situation around his club's future is also volatile as they were informed in November by the National Directorate of Management Control - the governing body of French football - that they will be relegated at the end of the season if their finances do not improve.
Liverpool will be in need of refreshment in the forward and attacking midfield areas, especially if Mohamed Salah departs in the summer on a free transfer. Slot's only outfield signing in his first two transfer windows was the arrival of Italian star Federico Chiesa.
Previous reports have claimed Cherki has a gentleman's agreement that would allow him to leave the club if a bid of around £19million is lodged. Borussia Dortmund are also understood to be interested, while the likes of Chelsea have also reportedly viewed the forward as a potential target.
Cherki has contributed eight goals and 18 assists this season for the French giants, who are currently fifth in Ligue 1.