Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman says manager Rafa Benitez has helped him a great deal since becoming Magpies boss last year.
The England Under 21 international is currently on loan at Kilmarnock where he has established himself as the number one goalkeeper, but he has been in constant contact with Benitez via text as the Newcastle manager keeps tabs on the 20 year old’s progress north of the border.
Speaking to the Herald, Woodman explained how the Spaniard’s attention to detail, and ability to impart knowledge about his experiences managing other keepers have helped him progress:
“Rafa was brilliant for me when he first came in to Newcastle. As a young goalkeeper, I didn’t think he’d take much interest in me but he talked to me all the time about the keepers he’s had, such as Pepe Reina and Keylor Navas at Real Madrid.”
“Even in training, his attention to detail is the best I’ve ever seen in the game. He watches every single bit of movement a goalkeeper makes and every decision a goalkeeper makes. Rafa always wants to improve and learn new things, and it’s amazing I can get that sort of knowledge from a man like him.”
Since joining Kilmarnock, Woodman has made 10 appearances in all competitions, conceding 11 and keeping one clean sheet. He hasn’t missed a game since making his debut for the Scottish Premiership side at the end of January, and was again in goal for Killies’ 1-1 draw against Partick Thistle on Saturday. The Scottish club are currently seventh in the league table on 32 points from 29 games.
