“Liverpool’s overlooked right-back set for long-awaited opportunity”
Liverpool could finally give Calvin Ramsay a long-awaited first-team opportunity when they face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup this Wednesday—a return more than 1,000 days in the making.
Ramsay’s path back to the Liverpool squad
With Jeremie Frimpong out through injury and Conor Bradley’s fitness carefully managed, Arne Slot faces a shortage of options at right-back for this League Cup tie. Joe Gomez is likely to play centrally, particularly with Giovanni Leoni unavailable, which opens the door for Ramsay to make his first senior appearance since the 0–0 draw with Derby County in November 2022.
Since joining Liverpool from Aberdeen in June 2022, Ramsay—now wearing No. 47 after his former No. 22 was reassigned to Hugo Ekitike—has endured a difficult period marked by injuries and challenging loan spells at Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic, and Kilmarnock, all of which offered limited game time. Despite these setbacks, the 22-year-old has worked hard to regain his confidence. His profile on Liverpoolfc.com still labels him an “attack-minded right-back,” and his recent U21 performances indicate his sharpness is returning.
Strong showing in U21 Merseyside derby
In Sunday’s mini-Merseyside derby, Ramsay scored in Liverpool U21s’ 4–1 victory over Everton, demonstrating flashes of the talent that once made him one of Scotland’s most promising prospects. Liverpoolfc.com noted that “Ramsay restored their lead, and further Figueroa efforts either side of the break gave them a cushion they more than deserved.”
This form comes at a crucial time. Liverpool have conceded two or more goals in nine of their last ten league matches, and Slot may be tempted to give the young Scot a chance to impress at senior level.
Ramsay’s early Liverpool career hinted at his potential, with a confident full debut in the Carabao Cup against Derby and a Champions League cameo versus Napoli. A return to that stage would represent a significant milestone in his journey from injury setbacks to redemption.
If Slot is seeking hunger and drive for this cup tie, few players in the squad have more to prove than Ramsay. While this fixture may not define Liverpool’s season, it could well redefine the 22-year-old’s career at the club.
