Michael Keane opens up on what Thierno Barry has done in Everton training
Thierno Barry has struggled since joining Everton in the summer transfer window.
Everton signed Barry from Villarreal in a £34million deal, but he has not scored a single goal since moving to Merseyside.
It would be foolish for Everton to write Barry off, as he is new to English football and still has to adapt to the pace and physicality of the game.
Now, Michael Keane has given encouragement about the young striker in a new interview.
Michael Keane defends Thierno Barry after slow Everton start
Everton are looking at new striking options, as their current strikers, Beto and Barry, have scored just one goal between them in seven games.
However, Keane has reassured supporters that the France Under-21 international is putting in the work at Finch Farm, and has caused his teammates issues on the training ground.
Speaking in an interview with the Liverpool Echo, released on 28 September, he said: “I think Thierno just needs that first goal, it would help him massively.
“We’ve seen glimpses of what he’s about in training and what he can bring to the team with his power and his finishing, and he can also be very difficult to play against.
“He’s shown that in some of the Premier League games he’s played, but a goal will help him. Like any striker, when you’re not scoring, it can be tough, sometimes all you need is a tap-in, your fortunes can change and you feel more confident.
“I think he’s settled in well. He’s a good guy and although he’s pretty quiet and keeps himself to himself, he talks to the French-speaking lads and has got a lot of support from us within the group, and I’m sure he’ll come good.”
The Sofascore graphic below shows how the Blues’ attackers have performed so far this season.
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Everton need to be patient with Thierno Barry
Barry could very well come good for the Blues in the near future, they just need to give him time, as he is in a new country and a new league.
He adapted quickly to the Spanish League after moving from FC Basel in Switzerland, but La Liga is a slower pace than the English top-flight, so it makes sense why he has not thrived in England yet.
- Barry scored 20 goals and notched five assists in 41 matches for Basel
- After his move to Villarreal, he scored 11 goals and notched five assists in 37 matches
- He is yet to score or assist for the Toffees
He just needs time to adapt, although he already has the physical tools to thrive for Moyes’ side, he needs to work out how to put it together consistently in front of goal.
As Keane states, once he bags his first goal for the club, it should give him the world of confidence and potentially open the door to many more.
Moyes and supporters need to wait until Barry has settled in to pass judgment on his ability, rather than panicking and entering the market for an alternative.
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