Image source, Getty ImagesByAadam PatelFootball Reporter1 hour ago87 comments”Did i ever think that I would be playing for Liverpool in Premier League? When I was called upon, I wanted to do my very best. Freddie Woodman played four Premier League matches in eight years with Newcastle, but he was also loaned out to six other teams during that time. He joined Preston in 2022 after leaving Newcastle at the end his contract. Woodman, 29, admitted that being a third choice keeper is difficult. “I’m new to this position. When the opportunity arose, I was a little unsure if I should take it on. As a third option, I am still learning the job. “I quickly realized that my game time would be limited, and that I’d probably be called on for 10, 20 minutes. When that time came, I wanted to be ready. “So, during the eight months that I train, I think about those 10 minutes or those 20 minutes where you might be nervous, but can rely on the preparation you’ve done. That’s what I did. “I’ve learned that being third choice is more important than I thought it would be. “You’re trying to build a relationship with your teammates, so if Dom (Szoboszlai) wants to do more free-kicks I want to help him. I will be there for Mo [Salah] if he wants to shoot more. “So, it’s about trying to find another role within the team. And realising how crucial it is. “Joy to Liverpool fans, but a big summer for Slot1 day agoDerby Bow caps superb weekend for FamilyAsked about his ability to put himself last on a daily bases, Woodman replied: “It is easy here.” You know that Mo Salah will come to you and say he wants to shoot more. It’s a dream for every child… “And to develop a relationship with Robbo, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk ]… I saw these guys as superstars last season. You come in and realize that they are just normal guys and good people. It’s been nice to build these relationships. “After Sunday’s match, Liverpool boss Arne slot praised Woodman who made a save to deny Iliman Ndiaye, after coming on. “He said that I had worked hard all season and didn’t get much credit. Woodman said, “I’m happy about that.” “He was happy for me, and for me, to shake his hands after the match, realising that I felt like i’d done my best, is a lovely moment. Woodman is expected to play at Anfield against his boyhood team Crystal Palace this weekend. Alisson is still out with a serious hamstring injury, and Mamardashvili will be on the sidelines for a while. “It would feel unreal and incredible to play another Premier League game for Liverpool,” said Woodman. “I grew supporting Palace. I was a Ball Boy there and played against [them] in the Carabao Cup this season. I hope Giorgi is fine and that Ali, the best goalkeeper on the planet, returns fit. “We’ll have to wait and see what happens Saturday. I will do my thing this week and prepare like I’m playing. “Woodman made his top-flight Liverpool debut on Saturday, capping a fantastic weekend for him and his family. His father Andy, a former goalkeeper who now manages Bromley, celebrated the club’s first ever promotion to League One. Woodman said, “I was enjoying the Merseyside Derby at the new stadium when I was thrown into it at full speed. It was a great weekend for my family.” “Yeah it was a bit nerve-racking. The nerves are what drive you to do your best and not let anyone down. “You come on, and you think of the eight months you’ve spent working every day to get this one moment. When you are called upon, all you want to do is be reliable. “That’s how it feels and to be honest, i was happy to get to the finish line. But to win the game the way we did (with Van Dijk’s 100th-minute head) was incredible. “Related topicsLiverpoolPremier LeagueFootballMore on this storyLatest Liverpool news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Liverpool – what do you want to know?
