Image Credits: Imago Images
Sunday afternoon at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was another chapter in the long-running Merseyside derby saga, but it also ended up handing one of Liverpool’s most unsung summer signings a debut he will never forget.
Virgil van Dijk’s late header sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Everton, but the story running just beneath the headline was the sight of Freddie Woodman jogging onto the pitch in the 59th minute to finally make his Premier League bow for the Reds.
With Alisson Becker already sidelined through injury and Giorgi Mamardashvili carried off on a stretcher after a nasty collision, Arne Slot had little choice but to call on his third-choice goalkeeper in the most hostile environment imaginable.
Now speaking to liverpoolfc.com, the 29-year-old has opened up on his debut:
“Yeah, it was a moment that I was waiting for and I’m probably ready for as well.”
“I trained hard all season, didn’t think it would come, but yeah, obviously amazing to it a Merseyside derby and then to win it like we did was unbelievable. So, yeah, really nice moment for me, nice moment for my family as well. So, yeah, I’m pleased.”
“Listen, I’d be lying if said I wasn’t nervous, you know what I mean? Being a part of this massive club, you have moments where you’re a little bit nervous. But to be honest, I thought to myself as I ran on, I saw the back four and I thought I should be all right.”
He added
“You know, like they’re proper players. So I thought I wouldn’t be too busy. And to be fair, they looked after me.”
“And, you know, it was just unbelievable to make my debut in the Premier League and to win it like we did was special.”
When quizzed on whether he would be in-between the posts for Crystal Palace at Anfield this coming Saturday, the 29-year-old said:
“I’m not sure about that Ali, if he plays, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. So, listen, I hope he’s back fit.”
“I hope Georgie is going to recover well. And, listen, I’ll just keep doing my role to the best I can. And that’s exactly what I’ve tried to all season.”
“Just try to be ready for, you know, 20 minutes, 10 minutes when needed. And that’s what I’ve had to do.”
Liverpool officially announced Woodman’s signing in June 2025, confirming that Woodman would join on a free transfer once his contract at Preston North End expired on 30 June.
The deal caught plenty of supporters off guard at the time, with most expecting the champions to chase a bigger name to provide cover after Caoimhin Kelleher’s sale to Brentford.
Instead, the Reds opted for experience on the cheap. Woodman arrived with 127 Championship appearances for Preston under his belt, a Preston Player of the Year award from his debut season at Deepdale, and a reputation as one of the more reliable second-tier goalkeepers in England.
