Freddie Woodman reflects on 'unbelievable' full Liverpool debut and explains injury problem
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SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool's third-choice goalkeeper pulled off a string of superb saves on his first start at Anfield against Crystal PalaceFreddie Woodman has described his maiden Anfield first-team start for Liverpool against boyhood club Crystal Palace as 'unbelievable'.The Reds' third-choice goalkeeper has been thrust into the limelight after he came off the bench in last weekend's Merseyside derby to replace Giorgi Mamardashvili after the Alisson Becker's deputy was injured during Everton's equaliser.The Reds went on to win the match 2-1, with Woodman keeping a clean sheet, and the former Preston North End keeper was handed his full first-team debut by Arne Slot for Saturday's home match against his beloved Palace.The 29-year-old took his opportunity, pulling off a string of spectacular and important saves that ensured the Reds' picked up their third straight Premier League win, putting Champions League qualification for next season firmly in reach.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! I didn’t think I would play at Anfield in a Premier League game when I joined this club.“I’m a massive [Crystal Palace] fan now, still, but I wanted to try and help the team as much as I can.
When you’re playing behind top players, it makes my job so much easier.”The only goal Woodman conceded in the 3-1 win arrived in controversial circumstances in the 71st minute, after he injured himself making a save, only for Palace wing-back Daniel Munoz to chip the ball into the empty net while the Liverpool keeper lay on the ground.After a period of treatment, Woodman was able to continue and complete the match, and afterwards he explained what had happened.He said: “The grass was really dry and my knee got stuck in the ground. I didn’t know what to do.
The veteran left-back was keen to show his appreciation for his teammate after the match.Also speaking to Sky Sports, Robertson said: “I was going to run to him, but he was too far away, so I let him get the cheer off the Kop instead.“We had full confidence in him. I don’t know what happened to me, I turned into a striker.”The victory moved Liverpool up to fourth in the Premier League table, leapfrogging Aston Villa on goal difference and behind Manchester United only on goals for, with four games left to play.Slot's side face old foes United next at Old Trafford on Sunday, May 3.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlissonArne SlotAndy RobertsonCrystal Palace FC