Report: Klopp’s Influence on Young Liverpool Defender | OneFootball

Calvin Ramsay’s Courage Through Injury and Klopp’s Lasting Impact

Calvin Ramsay’s time at Liverpool has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. From the promise of a bright future when he arrived in 2022 to the setbacks caused by a series of frustrating injuries, Ramsay’s journey has been far from smooth. However, as he revealed in an interview with the Daily Record, it was the words of Jurgen Klopp that restored his faith in his ability and future at Anfield.

Signed from Aberdeen for £4.5 million, Ramsay was touted as a young talent who could provide much-needed competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Winning the Scottish Football Young Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season, Ramsay had shown the potential to be a long-term asset for the Reds. But, football can be cruel, and his first season in England saw him plagued by two stress fractures in his back, followed by a knee injury that derailed a loan move to Preston North End.

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Despite the setbacks, Ramsay’s story is one of perseverance and determination—qualities that were reinforced by the support he received from his former manager.

Klopp’s Role in Ramsay’s Recovery

In the Daily Record interview, Ramsay opened up about how a simple conversation with Jurgen Klopp made all the difference during his time on the sidelines.

“Jurgen knew what it was like for a young player to go through injuries and pulled me into his office one day,” Ramsay shared. “He told me Liverpool weren’t going anywhere and reminded me that I had a long-term contract. He told me to get myself right and when I was, Liverpool would still be there for me. That was so good to hear – and something I really needed to hear.”

These words weren’t just comforting, they were pivotal in rebuilding Ramsay’s confidence. Klopp’s ability to understand the emotional and mental toll injuries take on young players, especially those far from home, was evident in this conversation.

Photo: IMAGO

The Liverpool manager, known for his man-management skills, understood that more than just physical recovery was needed. For Ramsay, knowing that the club still believed in him gave him the drive to keep going. “It was reassuring and gave me that bit of confidence back. I knew that if I just did what I had to do in the next period of my career, I’d be back showing him what I could do,” Ramsay said.

Ramsay’s Future Under Arne Slot

With Klopp having departed Anfield and Arne Slot now at the helm, Ramsay faces a fresh challenge: proving himself to a new manager. The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Wigan, understands the need to impress once again.

“Obviously Jurgen has left Liverpool and the new gaffer (Arne Slot) has come in. So I have to start again. So far I haven’t been able to show him what I’ve got yet as I’m out on loan,” Ramsay stated.

While the situation may have changed at Liverpool, Ramsay’s mindset remains positive. His desire to fight for his place at Liverpool is clear, and he recognises that his current loan spell is a crucial period for his development. “There will be a time when I’m back at Liverpool working under him and showing what I can do on the pitch,” he added.

Support From Teammates

Ramsay hasn’t been alone in his battle with injuries. Teammates like Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Ibrahima Konaté have all been supportive, offering advice and encouragement.

“Andy has been big for me as well, being Scottish,” Ramsay said. “He knew what it was like getting a big move here. He told me what it was like for him and I’ll always appreciate what he did for me.”

Trent and Ibrahima, both key figures in the Liverpool squad, have also shared their experiences and advice with Ramsay, helping him navigate this difficult period in his career. Despite the setbacks, Ramsay is focused on making the most of the opportunities he has this season, knowing that his career is far from over. “I need to remember that I’ve got a 15-year-plus career ahead of me,” he said.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel a sense of frustration when hearing about Calvin Ramsay’s struggles. The young Scot was signed with such promise, but injuries have limited his contributions. While it’s reassuring that Klopp offered him the emotional support he needed, some may question whether Ramsay will ever live up to the high expectations placed upon him when he first arrived.

The fact that he’s on his third loan spell already raises concerns. Is this simply bad luck, or a sign that Ramsay might not be able to handle the physical demands of top-flight football? There’s a genuine worry that despite all his potential, Ramsay could fall into the category of players whose careers were marred by injuries, never quite fulfilling their promise at Anfield.

Moreover, with the emergence of young talents like Conor Bradley, who has impressed during his loan spells, Ramsay may find the competition even tougher when he returns. Liverpool fans, especially those eager to see immediate results, might wonder whether Ramsay will ever be able to break into the first team or if his future lies elsewhere.

However, for the more optimistic supporters, Ramsay’s resilience and willingness to fight for his place should not be underestimated. At just 21, time is still on his side. The next year will be crucial in determining whether he can make a real impact at Liverpool or whether his future lies away from Anfield.