'Brilliant' back-up player could be in line for unexpected promotion at Liverpool next season - opinion
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It has been a marvellous week or so for Freddie Woodman, who has seen his reputation sky-rocket amongst Liverpool fans.Having previously been a pleasant, if somewhat invisible member of the first-team squad, the third-choice goalkeeper was thrust into the limelight during the Merseyside Derby.After helping Liverpool to a win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Woodman then put in a terrific performance against Crystal Palace, legitimately earning himself the official LFC Man of the Match award.For now, Woodman‘s surprisingly good ascent is being seen as potentially being the totality of his story with Liverpool. But with Alisson’s future coming into serious question, the 29-year-old has shown that he could be well in the conversation to be the Reds’ new number two.
Who replaces Mohamed Salah against Man United on Sunday? 👀 Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images Woodman could be Mamardashvili’s understudyNo Liverpool supporter will want to see Alisson depart this summer. Nevertheless, the rumours that he is on the way out continue to grow stronger.Giorgi Mamardashvili would almost certainly step up to be the number one in Alisson’s absence, but that would open up a spot as the Georgian’s understudy.Vitezslav Jaros would be a leading contender to step in, but the Czech went down with a serious knee injury in February, and is very likely to miss the start of next season.Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesIn the meantime, why couldn’t Woodman handle the promotion from third to second-choice?READ MORE: Will Mohamed Salah ever play for Liverpool again?
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker think they know the answerAn experienced goalkeeper in his own right, the former England youth international has shown that he can be relied upon when called upon, and clearly has the trust of his Liverpool teammates.With Alisson gone, the Reds’ second-choice should revert back to being used largely for cup competitions, and Woodman would deserve the chance to show he can fill that role.Woodman’s ascension would help with Pecsi’s developmentMuch of what Woodman does next will be dependent on the goalkeeper himself.Having become used to playing as Preston’s number one before joining Liverpool, the year with barely any football may have been difficult for him to get used to. Who should Richard Hughes be targeting above all… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones He would clearly play a little more as a second-choice, but if he does want to go back to playing week in week out, then Liverpool will have to accept that.Woodman is only on a one-year contract at Anfield, and if he is to take a step up to become second-choice, then that would likely need renegotiating on a better salary.However, after so much upheaval in the goalkeeping department in recent years, it may suit Liverpool to go with a known entity as back-up if Alisson leaves, especially as they wait for Jaros’ return.As a knock-on effect, Woodman moving up may also benefit Armin Pecsi, who could step up from third to fourth choice while Jaros remains sidelined.