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There was one Liverpool player who was presented with the biggest challenge of his career against Everton, and Andy Robertson is making sure he gets the credit he deserves.
Liverpool secured the three points through a last-minute Virgil van Dijk winner, but the result came from strong performances all over the pitch. One in particular from a player who hasn’t had a look in all season.
When Everton equalised in the 54th minute, it forced Giorgi Mamardashvili off with an injury, and third-choice keeper Freddie Woodman was called upon. As Robertson pointed out after the game, he did not disappoint.
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Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images Andy Robertson lauds Freddie Woodman amid Liverpool goalkeeper crisis
Robertson is preparing to leave Liverpool, and every interview he gives now has a poignant note. But he has always provided valuable insight when he does address the press.
On this occasion, he wanted to commend Woodman for his performance.
As seen on Liverpool’s official website, he said: “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. Since he has come in he has been unbelievable.
“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. 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.”
It’s true that fringe players — and especially reserve goalkeepers — don’t always get the recognition for a team’s success. When you go eight months into the season before making a league appearance, the difficulty of being mentally prepared to perform cannot be overstated.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Woodman was kept busy during his outing and had to stay composed during a couple of awkward moments. He didn’t put a foot wrong.
Robertson said: “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. 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.”
Andy Robertson on Alisson
While his main focus was on praising Woodman, the Scotsman had something to say about Liverpool’s two other goalkeepers, both of whom have had their injury troubles.
He remarked: “We are very lucky to have good goalkeepers. Ali [Alisson Becker] is the best in the world so hopefully he is back soon and hopefully Giorgi [Mamardashvili]’s isn’t too bad, but if these two are out then we all fully believe Woody is the one to step up and I think he showed that today.”
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Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Giorgi Mamardashvili will be watching closely…
Alisson is still performing at the highest level — the very highest according to Robertson — and Mamardashvili is looking better every week. It’s one position where FSG can stick with what they have.
One of the few.
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