Freddie Woodman's immediate reaction after unexpected heroics in dramatic win over Everton

Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman reacts after making an unexpected Premier League debut against Everton after Giorgi Mamardashvili was taken off by a stretcher

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

Freddie Woodman has spoken after being thrust into an unexpected Premier League debut for Liverpool during the Merseyside derby on Sunday afternoon.

Giorgi Mamardashvili sustained a “big wound” following a collision as Beto scored Everton’s equaliser in the second half of Sunday’s Premier League clash. He was subsequently replaced by Woodman, with Liverpool going on to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium thanks to a 100th-minute header from Virgil van Dijk.

Woodman, who has previously featured in the Premier League for Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth, joined Liverpool from Preston North End last summer and had made just one appearance prior to this season’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace in October. Meanwhile, Arne Slot sent a passionate message to Liverpool fans after the historic win.

Arne Slot praised Woodman's composure in an interview with the club's website. He said: "I have to pay a compliment to Freddie. It was a difficult moment to come in, just conceded the 1-1 but he was calm and did his job as he needed to do."

Woodman described his unexpected Premier League debut for Liverpool as a “moment he was waiting for,” admitting he felt prepared despite not expecting it to arrive this season. It was a moment that I was waiting for and I'm probably ready for as well" said the 29-year-old. "I trained hard all season, didn't think it would come, but, yes, obviously amazing to do it in a Merseyside derby and then to win it like we did was unbelievable. A really nice moment for me, a nice moment for my family as well."

Woodman admitted he was nervous but said he quickly settled after stepping onto the pitch. The goalkeeper explained that he took confidence from the defensive line in front of him. Woodman added: "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

"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. They're proper players so I thought I wouldn't be too busy and to be fair, they looked after me."

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

Woodman also offered support for his teammates, calling Alisson Becker “the best goalkeeper in the world” and expressing hope that both the Brazilian and injured starter Mamardashvili recover quickly. He added that his focus remains on being ready whenever called upon, even if only for short spells during matches.

Woodman received high praise from his teammates after the game. Curtis Jones posted an image of him, Woodman and Andy Robertson on his Instagram story with the caption: "Loved seeing this fella come on today. One of the best people ever." Van Dijk also ensured a special moment Woodman by pushing the goalkeeper forward to receive the applause of the travelling Liverpool supporters after the final whistle.

Robertson also commended Woodman's professionalism. "He's a credit to himself since he's came in" said the Reds vice-captain. He's been unbelievable. Whether that's Mo Salah wanting to stay out and doing penalties for an hour after training, whether he's the one that's out there, whether it's running after the game. He's always there for everyone, he's always there to support. These people in a club like this are so important.

"Maybe they don't always get the credit they deserve, don't always get the limelight, but when he walked back in the changing room there, I think he got a nice reception an d he's a well-loved player in our changing room."