Danny Ward Could Be The Solution For Liverpool Goalkeeping Conundrum
Liverpool have been marred by goal-keeping issues this season. Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice stopper Simon Mignolet struggled in the early parts of the season, making several high-profile errors and was hence replaced by summer signing Loris Karius in goal.
However, the German goalkeeper too endured a torrid time between the sticks for Liverpool. As a result, his confidence took a hit and he was dropped from the line-up in favour of Mignolet. The Belgian has managed to recover some form, but still remains a liability at the back for the Reds.
Away from all this limelight and attention of the Premier League, Liverpool’s loan goalkeeper Danny Ward has been quietly excelling with Championship side Huddersfield Town. The Terriers are enjoying an excellent campaign in the second-tier, sitting in the third position in the league standings and are dreaming of a promotion to the Premier League for the first time ever in the history of the club.
The 23-year old Ward has been one of the major contributors of this unprecedented success for the Terriers this season. The Welshman has marshalled the Huddersfield back line excellently and as a result has turned the team into a solid and impenetrable unit at the back under manager David Wagner.
Ward has managed to impress each and everyone in his 35 Championship appearances this season. The 23-year old has displayed great confidence and steadiness at the back and has put in several competent displays for the Terriers this season. Ward has conceded an average of 1.17 goals per game and averages 1.86 saves per game as well and makes 1.46 saves per goal he has conceded. His performances have earned the Terriers an average of 1.86 points per game this season.
The Welshman has kept 8 clean sheets so far this season and has an excellent 90% claim-success. His distribution is something that needs to be worked upon though, as he completes only 58% of his passes from the back.
The consistency and the confidence that the Wales international has displayed in the Championship this season is something that has been severely missed at Liverpool.
It was reported earlier in the month that Klopp would assess all of his three keepers at the beginning of the next season and decide on who would be his number one choice shot-stopper. And judging by the displays that Ward has put in with Huddersfield Town this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him take over the mantle in between the sticks for the Reds in the upcoming season. For now, Ward will be hoping to continue his good displays in the Championship and finish the season strongly, so that he can be ready for the challenge if Klopp decides to back him next season.
*All Stats Taken From Squawka.com