Three things learned about Everton in 2026-27 already, including surprise Thierno Barry reveal

There has been plenty to learn about Everton so far in 2026-27.

We are just four games into the Premier League season, but a couple of trends are starting to rear their head.

David Moyes will be hoping to push for European football, and the Toffees going unbeaten so far is a good step in doing so.

Consistency is now the key for Everton and the manager in the following weeks and months.

Optimism was low at the end of the summer window, and the manager must begin to lift the fanbase out of that lull.

Here are three things we have already learned about Everton.

Everton are European contenders, but there's a catch

Everton can qualify for Europe this season.

However, much of that will depend on how the squad's fitness continues to shape up.

The Blues have the smallest squad in the Premier League, according to Transfermarkt, with just 22 players.

A couple injuries here or there to key positions could end up causing major problems for the L3 outfit.

Just one striker, one natural right-back and one natural left-back are the notable areas to have early worries about.

Thierno Barry can be one of the Premier League's best

Thierno Barry has had plenty of chances to score this season already, but the Frenchman has just one Premier League goal.

According to Sofascore, Barry is second among Premier League players for xG accumulation with 2.98.

Only Erling Haaland has more xG so far this season.

Clearly, the issue is not the striker getting a lack of chances, but more so a lack of conviction from the Everton man.

Barry is also top of the list for big chances missed with four, so the Toffees are supplying him.

If he can get over his hoodoo in front of goal, he will net plenty this season, and there's no doubt he can be near the top of the scoring charts if so.

Jarrad Branthwaite's fitness is paramount

Over the last season, Everton have been unable to rely on the quality that Jarrad Branthwaite has.

Injury issues have plagued his career in L3 and Toffees fans have had to watch Michael Keane line up alongside James Tarkowski.

While Keane has had his moments, the difference in quality with Branthwaite has been clear.

If the Blues can keep the left-footed defender fit, then special things can occur this season.

He is a colossus at the back.