Freddie Woodman, an amazing goalkeeper who’s future is bright future as fine young goalie and without any doubts one to watch in the Premier League in the years to come.
He has make every appearance for England at every level from under-16 to under-21 within his own age group and he is currently playing first team football in the Scottish Premiership on loan with Kilmarnock. But the question is, is Freddie Woodman ready to be relied upon in the pressure cooker that is St James’ Park and Newcastle United though?
To this question, my answer would yes because the Magpies cannot ignore the England international talent. Taking age and his experience right out of the equation, he simply must be part of Rafa Benitez squad when they reach the Premier League. Karl Darlow probably deserves the chance to keep his place as Newcastle’s No. 1. The Ex-Nottingham Forest goalie has showing series of impressive displays become a firm fan favourite and now has done little to discourage Rafa Benitez.
It was Rafa’s decision to bring in Belgian international Matz Sels last summer, and so the chances are that despite Newcastle shaky in black and white, Sels will remain as part of the Magpies squad beyond August and for another year at least. So far then, that’s two ‘keepers on the list with a third really needed to be safe.
Strong speculations have been circulating recently that Rob Elliot will likely leave St. James Park in the summer and there are doubts he will start next season as a Newcastle United player. Elliot who’s highly love and respected by the fans and having never let anyone down when he’s played, deserves not to sit on the bench but in mitigation, he has not been playing very often because of injury and I feel Newcastle can no longer rely on him for as a long term option.
That being said, what about Tim Krul then? The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have once been showing interest in the Dutchman. Krul was a penalty shootout hero in a World Cup for the Netherlands and has tons of experience at the top level. Experiencing a very poor season on loan back in Holland has seen his stock fall beyond measure. It was even difficult for him to break into the matchday squad at Ajax, but the Dutchman went to AZ Alkmaar in what has so far been an unsuccessful stint there.
The Dutchman has publicly stated his intention to come back and challenge for his place at Newcastle in the summer, but in terms of consistency, I presume he will not displace Karl Darlow as No. 1 and may end up looking for greener pasture elsewhere. So, with Newcastle United in need of a third goalkeeper and with Matz Sels not looking like a great long term option, Freddie Woodman may take a good leap forward in his career after the coming pre-season and Newcastle will do well to give him his chance.