Peretz, 25, insisted Saints need players of Harwood-Bellis’ quality as they push for a place in the Championship play-offs.
The defender was the subject of a low-ball bid from West Ham on Friday before delivering a “top professional” performance in a 2-0 win over Stoke.
Peretz, one of two winter arrivals, is impressed by the work of the Saints board to build a squad capable of closing the seven-point gap to sixth place.
“The club has its own decisions, and the board is working really hard to make this team successful and to build the best squad,” Peretz told the Daily Echo.
Tonda Eckert praised Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ professionalism amid interest. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
READ: Harwood-Bellis hailed as ‘ultimate professional’ amid interest from West Ham
“On deadline day, I spoke with some people about how tough it can be – you might get a move, you might stay.
“As a player, it can be more difficult than for the club because you change your whole life, your whole family’s life. It’s easier when you know.
“There are a lot of difficulties. Sometimes it’s difficult to bring players in or to let them go. I’m really happy when I look right and left at my teammates.
“I know we can go on this journey together. There are still goals to achieve. He [Harwood-Bellis] is a top guy and a leader. We want him, and we need him.
“I’m sure he will continue to progress in his career. Hopefully, we can do it together at the end of this season. Time will tell.”
Daniel Peretz has already kept two clean sheets at Saints this season. (Image: Stuart Martin)
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Peretz has also been described as a leader by boss Tonda Eckert, who also called the Bayern Munich goalkeeper a “winner”.
“That injection of positive energy and demanding more from yourself and your teammates is what we need,” Eckert said after Peretz’s first clean sheet.
The 25 year old kept the ball out of his net again last Saturday, and has produced a series of important saves since joining at the start of January.
Israeli international Peretz prides himself on being a natural leader. He regularly rushes off his line to encourage defensive teammates.
And having played limited football earlier this season, he feels an all-in approach to training helped him hit the ground running at St Mary’s.
“Being a leader is part of my character,” he added. “I like to influence and take responsibility. I think it comes naturally. We have a good group of leaders here.
“Each one has their own strengths. I try to help the team. I’m happy with my performances, and hopefully this is just the beginning.
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“As a goalkeeper group, with Al [McCarthy], [George] Longy, and Floody [goalkeeper coach Ryan Flood], we work really hard every day.
“I’m not surprised by my start because I treat this profession very seriously. I treat every ball in training like a game, so my brain and body are used to it.
“I know it’s not the same – it’s a different pressure – but when your brain is working non-stop on good habits, you will be ready.
“I trust myself and my habits. Dealing with crosses is part of my game, and I know the club wanted that strength from me.
“I like to come out and help the team. I think it can reduce pressure because I can use my hands. I’m just trying to do my best.”