Third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has been on the periphery of Liverpool’s season, but he is a much-loved and respected figure in the dressing room, reveals Andy Robertson.
Woodman made an unexpected appearance off the bench in the Merseyside derby, as Giorgi Mamardashvili was sent to hospital with a deep wound that will keep him sidelined for up to three weeks.
The 29-year-old joined in the summer after his contract at Preston expired, making one starting appearance in the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
He has otherwise been in and out of the matchday squad, with his role in the side primarily to push Alisson and Mamardashvili in training and to offer additional support to outfield players.
After his 32-minute outing against Everton, Woodman and Robertson spoke to All Red Video, and the latter had quite the list of compliments for the goalkeeper.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 19, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk pushes Freddie Woodman to the front to celebrate in front of the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC, the 248th Merseyside Derby, at Bramley-Moore Dock. Liverpool won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I take the mickey out of him a lot, me and Freddie always have a laugh and a joke, but he’s a credit to himself. Since he has come in, he has been unbelievable,” Robertson said.
“Whether that’s Mo Salah wanting to stay out and take penalties an hour after training – Woody is the one that is out there – or whether it’s running after the game as well.
“I’ve dragged him out after PSG and he got through it with the lads, and he is always there for everyone and always there to support.
“These people in a club like this are so important.
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“Maybe they don’t always get the credit they deserve and get the limelight or things like that, but when he walked back in the changing room he got a nice reception.
“He’s a well-loved player in our changing room, he has a great personality and he’s fitted in so well. It took him a couple of weeks to actually talk to any of us – I think he was a bit nervous!
“But once he settled down, he has been a credit to himself. I think he showed his quality as well.”
With Mamardashvili facing a three-week recovery after his leg wound required stitches and Alisson eyeing a return at Old Trafford, Woodman is expected to start against Crystal Palace.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 19, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Freddie Woodman heads the ball during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC, the 248th Merseyside Derby, at Bramley-Moore Dock. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It would be his first Premier League start since 2021, but Robertson insists he has the trust of Liverpool’s dressing room.
“Forget about the personality, but I think he showed his qualities, his composure on the ball and the little header and pass out to me,” Robertson added.
“He’s got a massive amount of quality, but we are very lucky to have good goalkeepers.
“Ali is the best in the world, so hopefully he is back soon, and hopefully Giorgi’s isn’t too bad, but if these two are out then we all fully believe Woody is the one to step up. I think he showed that today.”