Freddie Woodman makes honest Liverpool admission after injury scare - 'Didn't know what to do'

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Freddie Woodman impressed with his performance as Liverpool's third-choice goalkeeper helped the Reds to victory over Crystal Palace, although it wasn't without yet another injury scare

Freddie Woodman celebrates after Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace(Image: Getty Images)

Freddie Woodman admitted he never thought he’d get the chance to play a Premier League game for Liverpool after playing a starring role in the Reds’ 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

The 29-year-old was called into action last weekend during the Merseyside derby after Giorgi Mamardashvili was stretchered off. With Alisson Becker still missing for the visit of Palace, it was up to Woodman to deputize in what was his first league start for the club.

And the former Palace academy product stepped up with an impressive performance, making a number of important saves during the game, including one just before Andy Robertson made it 2-0 to the hosts before half-time.

Woodman had started once before for Liverpool, ironically also against Palace in the 3-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup back in October, and it’s safe to say his second start surpassed that.

"It was an unbelievable moment for me,” Woodman told Sky Sports. “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. I've trained for this. When you're playing behind top players, it makes my job so much easier."

Freddie Woodman stayed down as Crystal Palace scored against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Woodman did suffer a scare during the game though when Palace scored during the second half. Having saved from Ismaila Sarr, the goalkeeper’s studs looked to get stuck in the turf, leading to him going down holding his knee.

With no one in goal, Daniel Munoz turned the ball into the empty net, much to the annoyance of Arne Slot as Woodman’s injury looked to be the pressing concern, although he was able to continue.

"The grass was really dry and my knee got stuck in the ground,” Woodman explained. “I didn't know what to do. It didn't punish us in the end and the three points are massive."

Liverpool.com says: Woodman’s performance was just what you would want from your third-choice goalkeeper when he’s been thrown in at the deep end for a Premier League game.

He came up with some big saves and was unlucky with Palace’s eventual goal, but that display will settle a lot of nerves if he needs to be called upon again this season, which you can never rule out.