David Moyes has expressed confidence in the potential of Thierno Barry, a young French striker at Everton. Despite a rocky start in the Premier League, where he has netted only three goals since signing from Villarreal for £27 million this summer, Moyes believes Barry has the talent to thrive in England’s top league.
Thierno Barry’s Journey at Everton
Barry secured his first goal for Everton on December 3 against Nottingham Forest, contributing to a 3-0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He followed this with a goal in the rematch against Nottingham and scored in a 4-2 loss to Brentford.
Challenges of Transitioning to the Premier League
As one of the first signings in a major summer overhaul, Barry has faced challenges adapting to the Premier League. His recruitment was chiefly orchestrated by the new management team led by chief executive Angus Kinnear, following the initial targeting by former director of football Kevin Thelwell.
- Signed for £27 million from Villarreal
- First goal scored on December 3, 2023
- Currently has three goals for the season
Moyes on Barry’s Potential
During a recent interview, Moyes remarked on the necessity of acquiring Barry early in the transfer period. He stated, “We had to go early on a young centre forward if we were going to get one.” He emphasized that the club didn’t have the budget for more expensive strikers, which limited their options for signing proven talent with European football.
Touching on Barry’s past performance in La Liga, where he scored 14 or 15 goals, Moyes noted that waiting could have led to a missed opportunity. “If we had waited until the second year and he had done the same, then he probably wouldn’t have come to us,” he explained.
Assessing Striker Partnerships at Everton
Alongside Barry, Beto has struggled to find the net, scoring only three times in all competitions this season. While Barry has shown improvement in areas such as link-up play and aerial duels, he still requires development in physicality and finishing skills.
Moyes pointed out the risk involved in signing players like Barry, particularly given the club’s limited funds. He acknowledged that the aim was to bring in a promising striker who could evolve into a key player for the team.
Looking Ahead
As a young French Under-21 international, Barry participated in last summer’s European Championship. His age and potential have garnered optimism among the coaching staff. Moyes remains hopeful that with time, the new signing will develop into a prominent figure for Everton.
The journey ahead for Barry involves overcoming initial hurdles and transforming raw talent into consistent performance at the Premier League level. Everton fans are eager to see his growth and contributions as the season progresses.
