Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 26 March 2026 7:10, UK

Thierno Barry must utilise the international break to prove himself at Everton.

The Frenchman has shown some flashes of quality this campaign, but he has found goals hard to come by at times.

His last goal came away to Newcastle United and was one of the ugliest Premier League goals ever, but they all count.

That day at St James’ Park marked the number nine’s first of four games coming from the bench under David Moyes.

The Scot has decided to bench Barry in recent Everton games, so the international break can give him a chance to prove why he should be starting.

Thierno Barry has faced recent snub at Everton

It has been a regular occurrence this season for the summer signing to share minutes with Beto, with them often replacing each other in matches.

That has seen both rack up similar amounts of game time, although the Guinea-Bissau international has become the go-to man recently.

He is pretty undroppable right now, especially after playing a superb role in the 3-0 win over Chelsea with two goals and an assist at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

That has limited Barry to just 53 minutes in the Toffees’ last four outings against the Blues, Arsenal, Burnley and Newcastle United.

He has contributed to just one goal in that time, with the forward able to clock up just seven touches in his most recent cameo against Chelsea.

Barry faced jeers from some supporters that day as his spell in L4 grows more frustrating by the week, so he now needs to work even harder.

Barry must prove his worth to David Moyes at Finch Farm

The upcoming international break has been extended to feature across easter, leaving more time for sides to rest and recuperate.

As much as these spells are about taking time to chill, it also poses a perfect opportunity for Barry to show his best to Moyes in training.

He certainly didn’t do that against Chelsea last time out, with a zero per cent dribble and duel success rate while also completing just one pass on Merseyside.

Those sorts of numbers are going to do the striker no favours and leaves the Everton boss with no choice but to bench him.

That could quickly change if Barry can hit the ground running and showcase exactly why he was a big-money summer signing.