'Did a great job': Slot names the Liverpool player who 'deserves a lot of credit' after Everton smash and grab
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Arne Slot was keen to give Freddie Woodman some praise after the goalkeeper stepped in for a first Premier League appearance of the season during Liverpool’s win over Everton.Woodman was unexpectedly needed after Giorgi Mamardashvili injured himself while Beto slid in to equalise for the Toffees.With Mamardashvili joining Alisson Becker on the injury list, Liverpool‘s third-choice goalkeeper may be called upon again, and according to Slot, he deserves his chance after stepping up in the derby. Who was Liverpool’s best player during Sunday’s smash and grab win over Everton?
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images Slot hails Woodman’s calmness Although they will have been left feeling happy at half-time, by the time Beto equalised, Liverpool supporters were truly fearing the worst.With the Hill Dickinson bouncing and Woodman on for a first Premier League appearance since 2021/22, it looked like things could easily unravel for the Reds.But Woodman looked assured between the sticks, beating away one well-struck shot and generally dealing with things in a calm and collected manner.Asked about his goalkeepers during the post-match press conference, Slot confirmed Mamardashvili’s injury while also hailing the way Woodman entered a difficult game.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: What Virgil van Dijk did for unexpected Liverpool hero Freddie Woodman after Merseyside Derby win“Freddie did a great job,” he said. “Giorgi had to go to hospital, a big wound, so let’s see how he will be.“But Freddie deserves a lot of credit, because if you have to come in after conceding the 1-1 and the fans were ready for it, but he did his job really well, kept his calm in a difficult moment where he was doubting if he should catch the ball, yes or no, and he kept his nerve and worked so hard to have this moment.“Usually third goalkeepers don’t play a lot, but in a season like ours I think if you are playing at the moment in the U8s of Liverpool you should be ready to make your debut because it’s unbelievable what’s happening to us!”As Liverpool await further updates on Mamardashvili, it appears likely that Woodman will be needed again – for the second time this season – against Crystal Palace next weekend.
On this evidence, he will be absolutely fine. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox