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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Freddie Woodman

By Carson A Merk

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Adam Armstrong of Blackburn Rovers scores his team's first goal past Freddie Woodman of Newcastle United during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United at Ewood Park on January 15, 2019 in Blackburn, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Adam Armstrong of Blackburn Rovers scores his team's first goal past Freddie Woodman of Newcastle United during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United at Ewood Park on January 15, 2019 in Blackburn, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United’s young goalkeeper had the chance to see first-team action in the FA Cup.

Martin Dubravka played every minute of the Newcastle United Premier League campaign. Karl Darlow started the club’s Carabao Cup loss to Nottingham Forest. When it came to the FA Cup fixtures, Freddie Woodman manned the position between the pipes. With his frustration mounting due to a lack of chances with the senior squad, we look at the future of Woodman with the Magpies.

2018-19 FA Cup stats: Three appearances, five goals conceded

Durim Halimi

At 22-years-old, Freddie Woodman is yet to reach his prime, but he needs game time to develop his skills if he wants to claim a primary role between the sticks. Unfortunately for him, Martin Dubravka is in top form for Newcastle United and Woodman has a minimal chance of starting for the Magpies in the Premier League. Even though he started over Karl Darlow in the FA Cup, Woodman is still considered to be Rafa Benitez’s third option at the position in Top Flight competitions.

Woodman has the potential to become a decent first string keeper, but he needs to leave Newcastle United for that opportunity to come. The young keeper has rejected modified contract offers from the club, so now we will have to wait and see where Woodman will end up this summer.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Sell this man

Carson A. Merk

I liked the thought process of Rafa Benitez to play Woodman in the FA Cup matches. It gave him a chance to face top competition but not cost the club points in the EPL during his growing pains. He wasn’t great in the cup matches and sat as the second or third goalkeeper the rest of the season.

Recently, I wrote an article suggesting the club should consider selling Woodman this summer. His contract is up after the season and I doubt he re-signs with Newcastle United as there is no clear path to first-team minutes. I would allow him to increase his value with another solid tournament for England’s youth national team, this time the Under-21 Euros. After that, I’d field offers and sell if the price is right.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Sell this man