Goalkeeper Danny Ward hopes his season-long loan at Huddersfield Town can help secure him a place in Jurgen Klopp‘s first-team in the future.
The Wales international joined the Terriers for the duration of the campaign in search of regular match action and to continue his development under Klopp’s close friend, David Wagner.
Ward, who made two Premier League appearances for Liverpool at Bournemouth and Swansea at the end of last season, has taken no time in establishing himself as No.1 at Huddersfield since arriving.
And having had a taste of big-stage action with the Reds, Ward is looking to use the valuable experience gained with the Championship leaders to help make that a regular occurrence in the future.
“You have to strive and aim to be at the top and hopefully I can get there,” Ward told BBC Radio Wales Sport.
“You don’t sign for a club to settle for what you’ve got. You’ve always got to try and push yourself to be the best.”
Ward impressed hugely at Scottish side, Aberdeen, last season, earning rave reviews for his displays which prompted Klopp to recall him for Anfield involvement half-way through his spell.
While a huge confidence boost to be brought back to Liverpool, the limited match action that followed proved a source of frustration for Ward.
The youngster expressed his pleasure at playing regularly again, with Ward feeling the regular game time is crucial to aiding his progression.
‘”It was my first taste of playing a chunk of games together,” Ward said of his Aberdeen spell.
“Once I got the taste for it I wanted to go somewhere and be the number one.
“Aberdeen gave me the platform, the next step was to get another club at a higher level. It’s something I need, a full season of playing games on a regular basis.”
Ward has enjoyed an impressive start to what he hopes is a full campaign at the John Smith’s Stadium, under the guidance of Klopp’s former Borussia Dortmund colleague, Wagner.
The 22-year-old has played a key role in the Terriers’ early season surge that has taken them to top spot in the Championship table, helping Huddersfield to the second best defensive record in the division in the process.
And the former Wrexham academy player believes the similarity in approach of Klopp and Wagner has played a part in this early success.
“At Liverpool, they all look hungry as if they’ve got a real desire and that’s quite similar to here,” added Ward.
“The manager has implemented his style and brought players in he feels would work and it seems to be paying off.”
Ward faces a battle to earn a long-term future at Anfield, with Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet currently ahead of him in the goalkeeping order.
But a young ‘keeper with years ahead of him, Klopp could relish the opportunity to mould the Welshman into a suitable long-term option alongside Karius.
Another positive loan, this time uninterrupted, will prime Ward perfectly to prove to Klopp he is worthy of the first-team place he dreams of securing on his return.
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