Is Liverpool’s Keeper Danny Ward Out?
By Paul Drake
Liverpool’s keeper Danny Ward on the ropes – Should he stay, should he go?
In part of two of the three-part series on Liverpool’s three loan players, we talk Welsh keeper, Danny Ward.
Danny Ward, one of the young bloods who participated in the Euros 2016 because first choice keeper Wayne Hennessey missed a match during Wales’s underdog run to the semi-final.
Ward, unlike Jon Flanagan, has been playing a huge amount of football. Yet, the question remains has it been worthwhile and is Liverpool able to grant him a spot on its bench? As we are well aware, Liverpool’s number one slot is under pressure, a position that needs improvement.
Is Ward the answer to a leaky defense, or is Liverpool in need of a more experienced keeper?
Both Liverpool keepers, Mignolet and Karius, have struggled to find a secure spot between the posts. Judging by the rumors, Klopp will be looking elsewhere for the answer this summer. As mentioned by This is Anfield, these players are at the stage in their footballing career where they need to be playing regular first team football.
As much as Liverpool’s defense is something of a hangover. I believe Ward would find it hard to convince Klopp to look in his direction. In my opinion, I would source a world-class keeper to take over from either Mignolet or Karius and use the other as a number two. I opt for Karius, being the younger keeper of the two and maybe lighter on the pocket.
Related Story: Part One: Jon Flanagan’s Revival with Liverpool Hangs on a Thread
Ward verses Liverpool’s two keepers
Ward has played 29 games for Huddersfield Town out of a possible 31 and managed to bag 6 clean sheets. Both Karius and Mignolet have a combined number of 7 so far this season.
Ward in return has a large figure of 34 goals conceded, whereas the Karius and Mignolet have only let past 30 goals. If you ask me, these stats are shocking and warrants that nobody is a true first choice for Liverpool.
Comparing the above to one of the best keepers in the Premier league, Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea. He doubles their amount of clean sheets. This is the type of keeper Liverpool needs between the posts.
Ward fairly has been doing well, but for Liverpool I do not feel he is the solution to patch up our defensive problems. He might break into the first team next season, maybe as a back up, but not as the starter.
Article written by Ashley Anthony, edited by Paul Drake