Freddie Woodman is a third choice goalkeeper in a struggling Newcastle United squad and has made only one senior team appearance for the club this season. With Rob Elliot ruled out after the 0-1 loss to Manchester City during the Christmas period, Woodman might have a shot to shine for the Magpies in between the sticks.
The 20-year-old is keen on leaving the side on loan to receive more first-team chances and further his development. But Rafael Benitez is hesitant on letting the youngster leave when he is facing such a major crisis in the position.
Karl Darlow was his primary choice to replace Elliot over the last couple of fixtures and has been decent. Elliot struggled towards the beginning of the season but soon found his rhythm and has been sharp before being sidelined.
Freddie Woodman is a product of the Newcastle academy which he joined back in 2013 after leaving Crystal Palace. The Croydon-born shot-stopper has represented England till the U21 side with 52 caps all around. He recently won the FIFA U-20 World Cup with the side and earned himself the Golden Glove award indication of the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Woodman’s league experience currently consists of 11 League Two appearances for Crawley Town and 14 Scottish Premiership appearances for Kilmarnock. A proven talent with firm hands and quick feet in between the sticks, Woodman’s career carries a lot of promise and might just be the next in line to succeed Joe Hart in the future.
However, a lack of minutes has stalled his career and that is a hard price to pay in the top-flight English football.
“I feel like I’ve done the bench role for a long time. I’ve been on the bench since I was 17. I’m 20 now, and it’s been a long time. Every Saturday, every game I’m on the bench, I’m ready to play. I’ve just got to continue doing that.” he was quoted saying when linked with a loan move to Oxford United.
Benitez has been provided with very limited funds from the owner, Mike Ashley and is currently scouring the market for quality additions to his side. But his reluctance to let go of Woodburn is well understood.
The Tyneside club is very close to the danger zone of the bottom three with just 2 points above Stoke City. Their 0-1 win against Potters in their opening game of the year have boosted their campaign with an impressive display against Luton Town in their FA Cup third round tie.
It looks like the tide is shifting but they are not out of the danger zone yet. An ambitious player is hard to tie down, but Woodman might just impress in the limited chances he receives and earn himself the number one shirt over the other two.
