da wazamba： Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has admitted that he is yet to decide whether or not to send goalkeeper Freddie Woodman out on loan, reports the Chronicle.
What’s the word?
da spicy bet： The 20-year-old is currently playing as second-choice keeper due to Rob Elliot being sidelined with a thigh injury.
Woodman has made just one senior appearance for the Magpies this season, and that was at the weekend for the club’s first FA Cup outing of the campaign.
Newcastle managed to make it into the fourth round with a 3-1 victory over Luton, but Woodman had some shaky moments and could have done better to prevent the opponents’ goal.
Benitez has suggested that if he brings in a new goalkeeper this month, then the youngster may be given the green light to join another club on a temporary basis.
The Chronicle quotes the manager as saying:
“He needs to enjoy this moment because we have won and he was part of it. After that we will decide what is best for him and the club. We have to manage both of those things. If we are going to do something with him, it will have to be this month, but Elliot is injured and we are working to try and find what we need and after we will make a decision.
“It is not difficult, it is simple to take responsibility and do what you need to do. I was talking with his agent and they know the position. We have to wait and see if we can do something, but if not, it is the same for every player. They say I would like to do this and that, but we are professional and what we have to do is make sure what we do is best for the team and best for the club.”
What’s best for Woodman?
For goalkeepers it is so easy to get lost in the background when they are third, or even fourth choice in the pecking order.
At the age of 20, Woodman has many years ahead of him in the game, but now is the time when he needs to pick up as much experience as possible.
Once Elliot is fit or a new shot-stopper is recruited, the youngster is unlikely to be considered for selection by the manager.
For his development to continue, Woodman needs to be loaned out to a club that will give him regular games in a competitive setting.
Perhaps a club in the Championship would suit.