Could Calvin Ramsay Be a Genuine Option for Liverpool?
Why the forgotten Scottish full-back could still have a future at Anfield
In Spanish football, the word remontada has become shorthand for a dramatic comeback, forever linked to Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain. But in Liverpool, it may soon take on another meaning. If things fall into place, remontada could come to represent Calvin Ramsay’s story.
His rise, collapse and signs of resurgence have not followed a straight line, but they remain compelling. Against Crystal Palace, despite a 3-0 defeat, Ramsay produced a performance that might well be remembered as the moment he reintroduced himself.
The numbers speak clearly. He won six out of eight duels, more than any other Liverpool player. He made seven ball recoveries, again the most in red, and was fouled five times, more than anyone else on the pitch. He was physical, alert and intelligent in difficult circumstances.
He was also blameless for any of the goals conceded, and on the ball, he showed ambition and composure. He made 51 passes in total, 21 of them going forward, and played seven long balls. For comparison, Conor Bradley’s season-best in a single game stands at 15 forward passes and four long balls. His average per 90 minutes is 15.68 forward passes and 2.5 long passes. Ramsay outperformed those figures convincingly.
That difference matters. Ramsay was not simply competent, he was progressive. Against a Palace side close to full strength, he offered more quality in possession than Bradley has managed at any point this season.
His positioning was positive throughout. He constantly looked to receive the ball in areas where he could impact play, often taking up spaces high up the pitch. At times, it echoed the Liverpool of recent seasons, with Trent Alexander-Arnold pulling strings from the same position.
Debut numbers show it is not a one-off
This was not a one-off display either. Ramsay’s first start for Liverpool came in the League Cup against Derby County in 2022. On that night, he completed 107 passes from 114 attempted. That included 19 passes into the final third and six into the penalty area. He also completed two out of three dribbles and won two out of three defensive duels.