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Freddie Woodman remains ambitious, despite finding himself as Liverpool's third-choice goalkeeper, with the shot-stopper eager to etch his name into the club's illustrious history.
Woodman represented the most understated acquisition among Liverpool's seven summer signings and has yet to feature for his new employers. The 28-year-old, whose godfather is Gareth Southgate, arrived on a free transfer from Preston and finds himself behind Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili in the goalkeeping hierarchy.
However, with Alisson currently sidelined through injury and Mamardashvili standing in across Premier League and Champions League duties, Woodman has set his sights on the Carabao Cup. Liverpool welcomes Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the tournament on Wednesday, desperately requiring a positive outcome.
Arne Slot's players have endured four consecutive Premier League defeats, potentially prompting the Liverpool boss to ring the changes significantly and provide chances to fringe players.
Woodman, who previously turned out for Newcastle and Preston, has drawn encouragement from Caoimhin Kelleher's progression at Liverpool. The Republic of Ireland international did well in cup competitions with the Reds before departing during the summer.
"Any time I get to pull on the jersey for this club, whether it be a pre-season game or whatever competition, I'll always just try to do my best and enjoy the moment, because I've spent a lot of time playing in the Championship and so to play for a club with this history is pretty special," Woodman told Liverpool's website.
"It's clear that this club takes the competition seriously, like it does every competition. When you get to the latter stages, you go to Wembley and you see how important it is to the fans.
"We train in the goalkeeping area at the AXA Training Centre, and I regularly see the photo of Caoimhin Kelleher on the wall after his success in the recent finals, and that's how important it is.
"You can really write yourself into history if you win trophies at this club, so I know how important it is, and the club recognizes how important this competition is too."
The role of a third-choice goalkeeper is a unique one, with Woodman knowing that he needs injuries to get an opportunity. Nevertheless, he is desperate to prove himself to Slot and his new teammates.
"I've played consistently over the last five or six years, albeit in the Championship and a few Premier League games," Woodman added. "I wanted to keep playing, and I'm only 28, but there was a conversation in the summer where Liverpool came up."
Woodman then revealed his dad's message to him when the opportunity to join the Reds came up. The goalkeeper's dad is Andy Woodman, the manager of League Two team Bromley who has previously worked as a goalkeeping coach for the likes of Newcastle, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Arsenal.
Woodman continued: I had other options, but my dad said to me, 'How do you turn down Liverpool? You just can't do it.'
"I'm very happy with my decision because l get to work with the best players in the world and I get to work up close with Ali and Giorgi, who are top goalkeepers who I think are only going to make me better and help my development."
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