CALVIN RAMSAY: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SCOTTISH RIGHT BACK

It has been widely reported that Liverpool have agreed a deal with Aberdeen for highly rated right back Calvin Ramsay. The fee is an initial £4million, with a further £2.5million in add-ons. We look at what the youngster can offer Jürgen Klopp’s side.

Ramsay turns 19 next month and is expected to go straight into the first team squad to serve as backup for Trent Alexander-Arnold. His arrival will likely signal the end of Neco Williams’ time with the Reds.

The Welshman was excellent in Fulham’s successful promotion bid and is set for a permanent move away. It is rumoured that Fulham and fellow promoted side Nottingham Forest, are going head to head for the £15m rated fullback.

Ramsay’s arrival is also expected to result in another young right back going out on loan. Conor Bradley made five appearances for the senior side last season and showed promise. His assist for Kaide Gordon against Shrewsbury was a particular highlight.

A loan will do Bradley the world of good in securing regular game time to develop his game further. As for Ramsay, he arrives with a high profile in his homeland. He’s coming off a real breakthrough season.

Having come through the ranks at Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen, the youngster made his debut in the 2020/21 season, going on to make six appearances in total.

It is last season where he truly came into his own however as he built a reputation for being a flying full back. He made 22 league appearances (19 starts) and registered a goal and five assists.

He is adept with both his preferred right foot and his weaker left. His maiden goal in his short career was a sweetly struck left footed effort from the edge of the box against Dundee FC back in April.

Aberdeen were involved in the UEFA Conference League last season but were unfortunately knocked out in the qualifying stages. Ramsay stole the show in the competition for Aberdeen as he laid on four assists in six appearances.

His displays throughout the season caught the eye of scouts across Europe, with Bologna seeing an offer rejected in January. His dribbling ability and attacking attributes, married with a fierce determination when defending saw him named SFWA Young Player of the Year.

The Scottish Football Writers Association voted him as the best young player in the country despite Aberdeen finishing a lowly 10th. Ramsay has represented Scotland at U16, U17 and U21 level. He is now set to become Aberdeen’s record sale.

He will join the Liverpool squad for pre-season and look to settle as quickly as possible. He will initially have to make do with appearances in the Carabao and FA Cup. As talented as he is, he’s still pretty green and inexperienced.

Depending on how he fares in the Cup competitions, he could earn the manager’s trust to earn a handful of appearances in the Premier League and Champions League as the manager tries to manage Trent’s workload.

With James Milner and Joe Gomez both able to play in the position, there’s not much pressure on the young lad’s shoulders. Ideally, he’ll show what he’s capable of and become Trent’s understudy.

If he can prove himself, he can offer what Kostas Tsimikas provided on the opposite flank last season. The Greek international was more than just a decent backup as he maintained the quality levels when Robertson needed a breather. Ramsay has that blueprint to follow.