Slot Insists He Has ‘Stronger Alternatives’ Than Liverpool Star Once Hailed as ‘Exceptional’ by Klopp

With Liverpool currently dealing with a string of injuries, Arne Slot has made some surprisingly blunt remarks about one of his available squad members. After confirmation that Conor Bradley will miss the remainder of the season, the Reds are left with Jeremie Frimpong and Calvin Ramsay as their only natural right-back options.

Despite this shortage, Ramsay has barely featured. Midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones have regularly been deployed at full-back ahead of him, with the 22-year-old managing just a single competitive appearance all season. Even with defensive resources stretched thin, Slot appears reluctant to turn to Ramsay anytime soon.

That reluctance became clear during Slot’s pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Burnley, where his comments about the defender raised eyebrows. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Dutchman admitted he still sees other players as better options, even with injuries mounting.

He explained that while injuries can sometimes create opportunities, he still believes there are stronger alternatives available. Slot did acknowledge Ramsay’s Carabao Cup showing against Crystal Palace, suggesting the youngster has the ability to be around the first team, but stressed that, for now, he prefers other choices.
Frimpong has recently impressed when used higher up the pitch, where his attacking instincts are better suited. However, he has looked less secure defensively when asked to operate deeper. Szoboszlai and Jones can also fill in at right-back, though both are more effective in midfield roles.

Given those circumstances, Ramsay might have been expected to earn minutes, but Slot’s comments suggest otherwise. Unsurprisingly, the remarks did not sit well with supporters, many of whom criticised the manager’s handling of a young player. Several fans questioned his man-management, while others felt the comments were unnecessarily damaging and dismissive.

Interestingly, Slot’s stance contrasts sharply with that of Jurgen Klopp, who was full of praise for Ramsay after bringing him to Anfield from Aberdeen for £4 million in the summer of 2022. Klopp described him as an outstanding talent and a perfect fit for the qualities Liverpool look for in a full-back, highlighting his maturity and long-term potential.

Unfortunately, persistent injury setbacks have prevented Ramsay from establishing himself since that move. So far, he has made just three senior appearances for Liverpool, only one of which has come under Slot’s management.