Freddie Woodman is heading into a new campaign facing competition with no less than four other goalkeepers. Matz Sels’s failed move to Anderlecht this summer means there are five current first team keepers, including first-choice Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot.
The likelihood of our no.41 even making it onto the bench next season seems unlikely at the moment, and while one or two of the other custodians may depart before the end of the transfer window, the England Under 21 international’s game time will still be limited.
In a recent interview with the club’s official website, Freddie seemed hopeful he could break into Rafa’s first team plans during the club’s pre-season games, but it does seem likely that he’ll have to leave on loan again to get the matches he needs.
There’s no doubt that Woodman is a talented young keeper, and while he is clearly still in the manager’s thoughts after he was given his debut in the FA Cup last season, the amount of competition is pretty overwhelming.
The 21-year-old did not establish himself in Aberdeen’s first-team last campaign after joining them on loan in January. He played eight games for the Dons in February and March before being replaced by Joe Lewis. Does he have what it takes to make it in the Premier League? I do have my doubts. What do you think? Let me know in the poll.