Calvin Ramsay has no intention of playing second fiddle at Liverpool and wants to show everyone what he can do after completing his transfer from Aberdeen.
Liverpool confirmed the transfer of the defender on Sunday morning, in an initial deal of £4million which could rise to £6.5m if certain performance related add-ons are met. Ramsay, 18, progressed through the youth ranks at Aberdeen before making his first team bow last year.
Despite his youthful age, Ramsay went on to make 39 appearances last season and register nine assists with a goal to boot. His performances not only drew Liverpool's attention but led him to being crowned Scottish Football Writers’ Association’s Young Player of the Year.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool's first choice right-back without much competition, it is hoped Ramsay can not only provide further support in the position but immediately challenge the England defender. And the teenager has declared as much in his first interview with the club, hoping to show his new coaches what he's capable of.
"I’m just buzzing and it’s a dream come true really to be here,” Ramsay told Liverpoolfc.com. "It was a dream come true to play for Aberdeen, and now to be at one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world, it’s a massive achievement and I’m looking forward to trying to show the fans what I’ve got.
"Hopefully I can come in in pre-season, show everyone at the club, the staff, players what I’ve got and then we’ll see what happens from there."
Ramsay in fact name dropped Alexander-Arnold when discussing the club's younger stars - and cited Liverpool's talented youth pool as a major factor behind his decision to join.
"There’s been a lot of young players that have played – the likes of Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and Harvey [Elliott] as well, there’s a lot more,” said Ramsay. "There’s obviously a pathway here – that’s one of the reasons I chose it as well. It’s not just a massive club, they give young players chances in the first team.
"So if I can come in in pre-season, put my mark down, then there’s no reason why I can’t push to get in the first-team squad."
Ramsay will get his first taste of action with Liverpool when Jurgen Klopp's side depart on their pre-season tour Asia and Germany next month. The Reds take on rivals Manchester United in Thailand on July 12 before playing against Crystal Palace on July 15 in Singapore.
Klopp's men then travel to Germany to take on Leipzig on July 21. Liverpool will then have their first shot of Silverware against Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on July 30. The new Premier League season will commence the weekend after.
Ramsay is likely to be Liverpool's last signing of the summer, with the Reds having already wrapped up deals for Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez.
