Thierry Henry blown away by unsung Everton hero in Brighton win
Everton recorded a superb 2-0 victory over Brighton in their first competitive game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner scored to give Everton the lead, and Jordan Pickford saved a penalty to secure their first points of the season.
Jack Grealish was outstanding on his Everton debut, registering both assists, and David Moyes will be proud of the way his team responded to their opening-day defeat.
There was one unsung hero who has not received much praise since the victory, but Premier League legend Thierry Henry has now highlighted why his role was so important in the win.
Thierry Henry impressed by Thierno Barry in Everton win
Striker Thierno Barry joined from Villarreal earlier this summer, and he made his full debut in the victory over Brighton as he replaced Beto upfront.
While Barry struggled to get into the game at times, his role in both goals was actually important, despite not registering a goal or an assist.
Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, Henry praised Barry for the role he played in both goals with his movement creating space for others.
“You mentioned Grealish, Ndiaye played well as well, but Barry – I like when you have a striker that can hold the ball for you, and invite players in, go on the counter,” he stated.
| Thierno Barry | Vs Brighton (H) |
| Minutes played | 64 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Aerial duels won | 6 |
| Accurate passes | 7 |
“He’s mobile. He’s always been a player that people doubt at the beginning but they end up liking him.
“I like what he does already there [in the build-up to the first goal]. What I like is what he does after. When the ball arrives with Grealish, you know what is going to happen, but look at his movement to take away [Lewis] Dunk.
“If he stays there and tries to battle with him, that ball would never reach anyone, it would have been too difficult for Barry to score, but he moves to the first post and frees that space for Ndiaye.
“The run of Barry, and him holding the ball, allowed that [Ndiaye goal].”
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Thierno Barry needs time to settle at Everton
The striker is still fairly young and raw for a centre-forward, and patience must be shown with Barry as he settles into the Premier League.
Already, he has shown glimpses that he can be a facilitator to get the best out of the players behind him, and with Tyler Dibling following Grealish to Everton this summer, this may be the best way to use the centre-forward.
Barry can play a role which focuses more on his movement and hold-up play rather than scoring, and can create more space for Ndiaye and Grealish to create for each other and score.
While this may sacrifice any personal recognition he could get, Barry could help the rest of the Everton attack thrive, and he deserves credit for his role in both goals.
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