Fitness rebuild shaping Liverpool pathway
For Calvin Ramsay, time has moved in fits and starts since his arrival at Liverpool in 2022. Injuries, interrupted loans and long periods away from the spotlight have defined much of the journey. This season, though, there is a sense of momentum. A carefully judged summer plan, designed to address fitness and confidence, has quietly brought him back into Liverpool’s senior orbit.
Ramsay’s first competitive appearance in almost three years came against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at Anfield. It was a modest milestone on paper, but symbolically significant for a player whose progress had been repeatedly stalled by injuries. Those setbacks, including two knee injuries, shaped Liverpool’s decision to keep him close to home rather than send him back out on loan.
Speaking to the official matchday programme, Ramsay explained the thinking behind that choice. “I spoke with my agent and the club at the start of the season and, off the back of the loans that I’ve had, the best solution was to stay around the club here, play with the U21s, get back to full fitness and get opportunities with the first team like I’ve got.”
Injuries overcome through patience
Injuries have been the central theme of Ramsay’s Liverpool story, but there is no trace of self pity in how he frames them. Instead, there is a calm acceptance that development rarely follows a straight line. “I had two knee injuries and didn’t play a lot when I was out on loan, but I’ve always believed in myself,” he said.
That belief has been tested, yet reinforced, by training daily with elite players. “I feel fit, I feel good training with the first team and hopefully it puts me in a good position now,” Ramsay added, pointing to the Palace game as proof that persistence can be rewarded.
Learning alongside elite right backs
Being embedded within Arne Slot’s squad has also given Ramsay a ringside view of two very different right backs. Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong offer contrasting interpretations of the role, and Ramsay is intent on absorbing elements of both.
“Conor Bradley went to Bolton and I think he played 50-odd games, which is a lot,” Ramsay said. “When I went there it didn’t quite go as planned, but I think every player has got a different career path.”
He is equally aware of Frimpong’s influence. “Conor and Frimpong are two completely different right-backs in the way they play. But to learn from them both and just pick little bits from their games can hopefully make me a better player.”
Perspective beyond football
Away from injuries and selection debates, Ramsay’s life has also shifted. Becoming a father in December has sharpened his focus and broadened his outlook. “Probably the proudest moment of my life so far,” he said. “It definitely changes your perspective on life.”
That perspective now feeds directly into his ambitions at Liverpool. Whether opportunities come at Anfield or elsewhere, Ramsay’s sense of purpose feels renewed, grounded in health, family and the belief that his Liverpool story still has chapters to be written.
