Freddie Woodman details Arne Slot reaction vs Everton and why he didn't celebrate Liverpool winner

Freddie Woodman made his Premier League debut during the Merseyside derby against Everton, and he could step in for Liverpool again later this week vs Crystal Palace

Freddie Woodman salutes the Liverpool supporters at full-time following the Reds' win over Everton in the Premier League.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

After Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Conor Bradley in recent months, Giorgi Mamardashvili became the latest Liverpool player to leave the field on a stretcher this weekend.

With Alisson Becker sidelined too, Arne Slot could only laugh when he was asked about the incredible misfortune with injuries that Liverpool has suffered this term. Fortunately, it is now well-placed to get over the line in the Champions League race.

With Mamardashvili needing treatment after the collision with Beto — he was sent to hospital, though the expectation is that it won't be a long-term issue — Slot turned to third-choice Freddie Woodman.

"It's a little nerve-racking to be honest," the 29-year-old told reporters after Liverpool's dramatic derby win. "But I think the nerves sort of fuel you to want to do well and not to let people down, really.

"You come on and you think about the eight months that have gone past where you've worked every day really for this one moment.

"When you're called upon, you just want to be reliable. That's what it feels like and, to be honest, I was just happy to have to get over the line. Then to win it the way we did was incredible."

Woodman is very highly thought of behind the scenes. His role is an important one and he is under contract for another year at Anfield as things stand. Slot and the Liverpool locker room were delighted with the impact that Woodman was able to make at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

"(Slot) just said that I worked all season without getting, you know, a lot of credit," Woodman explained. "But I'm happy with that. He was just happy for me and for me to shake his hand after the game.

Freddie Woodman said he was nervous to make his Premier League debut(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

"I felt like I'd done the best I can, and it is a nice moment because obviously he brought me to this football club.

"Did I ever think I was going to be playing for Liverpool in the Premier League? Probably not, but, you know, when I'm called upon there, I just wanted to do my best."

In truth, his Premier League debut couldn't have gone better. Woodman looked composed, made a decent save, kept a clean sheet, and got a good view of Virgil van Dijk's late winner.

"I was just right behind it," Woodman says. "I didn't want to celebrate, to be honest, because I knew there was still a minute left and I actually watched the Tottenham game and saw the celebrations after Xavi Simons scored. I thought probably best not to.

"I didn't want to celebrate because I knew there was a minute left and I just wanted to get the final whistle out of the way. But what a way to finish the game."

Up to this point, an appearance in the League Cup against Crystal Palace aside, Woodman's role has been working with the goalkeepers behind the scenes.

"It's easy here," Woodman admitted. You know, Mo Salah is coming to you and saying he wants to do extra shooting. It's every kid's dream. For me, I've watched him over the last seven to eight years.

"To build a relationship with Robbo, Curtis, Cody, Virgil... I saw these guys last season as superstars. You come in and you realize that they're just normal blokes and they're good people. It's been really nice to build those relationships."

"He is a great character," Van Dijk said. "He is a big part of our group.

"It is never easy to be a third goalie but for him to experience the things he experienced this season and still be so positive and working so hard — setting the right example each and every day — and getting on the pitch today in the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson and show that calmness, made a great save, I’m pleased for him.

"Hopefully Giorgi will be OK because we need everyone but if not, then Freddie has to step up. And behind him, we have a very promising goalkeeper as well in Armin (Pecsi) who has done very well too."

"I take the mickey out of him a lot and me and Freddie always have a laugh and a joke, but he's a credit to himself," Andy Robertson added. "Since he has come in he has been unbelievable.

Freddie Woodman unexpectedly made his Premier League debut for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

"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. He is always there for everyone and always there to support.

"These people in a club like this are so important. 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."

If Mamardashvili is sidelined and Alisson isn't ready to play again — Slot said the Brazilian could return to training this week, but he may not be back for Saturday — then Woodman could be in line for another appearance against Crystal Palace.

"It would be unreal, incredible, to get another game in the Premier League and for Liverpool," Woodman said. "I grew up supporting Palace; I was a ball-boy and played against them in the Carabao Cup [this season].

"Hopefully, I want Giorgi to be fine and then Ali, the best goalkeeper in the world, I want him to come back fit. Listen, we will see what happens. I will just go about my stuff this week and prepare as if I am playing."