Liverpool loyalties: Jordan Rossiter’s unwavering commitment beyond the kit

A unique tale of loyalty and footballing passion unfolds as we delve into the career of Jordan Rossiter, the talented midfielder who emerged from Liverpool’s academy and eventually found his way to Scottish Premiership side Rangers. One of the most intriguing aspects of his journey lies in his unyielding love for Everton, which led to a surprising ban on wearing an Everton kit while training at Liverpool’s Melwood gym.

Rossiter’s affiliation with Liverpool began at the tender age of seven when he joined the club’s academy. Over the next 13 years, he worked his way up through the ranks, showcasing immense potential and earning the role of academy captain. As he matured, the young midfielder caught the eye of then-manager Brendan Rodgers, who handed him his first-team debut at just 17 years old in a League Cup encounter against Middlesbrough. An astonishing 30-yard goal during this match made him the second-youngest scorer in Liverpool’s history, following in the footsteps of the legendary Michael Owen.

Often praised for his leadership qualities and compared to the iconic Steven Gerrard, Rossiter’s potential was undeniable. He continued to impress, even featuring in Jurgen Klopp’s debut match as Liverpool manager, an exciting Europa League clash against Sion.

However, behind the scenes, a fascinating story of divided loyalties unfolded. Karl Robinson, one of Rossiter’s former academy coaches, revealed the young player’s secret during a recent appearance on the “I Had Trials Once” podcast. He disclosed that Rossiter was, in fact, a “massive blue nose,” referring to his passionate support for Everton. The intensity of his allegiance to the blue side of Merseyside was so profound that the Liverpool academy had to impose a ban on him wearing Everton gear while training at Melwood. Rather than donning the iconic red jersey, Rossiter opted for Celtic apparel to circumvent the ban and avoid wearing his rival club’s colors.

Robinson went on to explain that such divided loyalties were not uncommon among local players at Liverpool’s academy, with many of them being Everton fans. He speculated that a similar situation might exist at Everton’s academy with some players being die-hard Liverpool supporters.

As Rossiter’s career progressed, he reached a critical juncture. Despite training under Jurgen Klopp and learning invaluable lessons from seasoned professionals like Jordan Henderson and James Milner, he realized that he might not break into Liverpool’s starting XI consistently. Acknowledging the fierce competition and high standards at the club, he made the brave decision to move on. In 2016, after spending over a decade at Liverpool, Rossiter transferred to Rangers, seeking regular playing time and a fresh start.

In an interview with The Athletic back in 2020, Rossiter expressed gratitude for his time at Liverpool, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge he absorbed while training at Melwood. He described himself as a “sponge” eager to learn from the experienced players around him. Reflecting on his departure, Rossiter expressed no regrets, recognizing that his move to Rangers allowed him to play regularly and grow as a footballer.

Now, several years since his departure from Liverpool, Jordan Rossiter’s journey stands as a testament to his unwavering passion for both football and his beloved Everton. From the academy at one of England’s biggest clubs to the historic grounds of Rangers, Rossiter’s path showcases the fierce competition and tough decisions that young players must navigate as they pursue their dreams on the football pitch.