Tony Bellew backs Thierno Barry despite 'insane' Everton development
Tony Bellew doesn't want to be too harsh on Thierno Barry at Everton.
The French youngster is the only number nine at David Moyes' disposal and has been heavily relied on this season.
In the first six Premier League games, the 23-year-old striker has scored three goals, but he should arguably have more.
Against Hull City in the 2-2 draw at MKM Stadium, Barry got on the scoresheet, but he missed some clear chances.
The young centre-forward could've given the Toffees the lead in the first half, but his header went over the bar.
Before the striker eventually found the back of the net, he had an open goal to aim at after receiving a cross from Jarrad Branthwaite, but missed the ball completely.
Thierno Barry season assessed by Tony Bellew
Barry has missed the most big chances in the Premier League this season — 10.
Bellew can't believe the striker missed the opportunity he did against Hull, but scored with the one that he did.
The former WBC cruiserweight champion believes that the Frenchman has had a decent start to the season and is encouraged to see him get into goalscoring positions.
All the forward needs to do now is be more clinical and ruthless in front of goal to take his game to the next level.
Speaking on Outside the Box Pod on 15 October, Bellew said, "It's insane that Barry slots the chance he does and misses the one he misses. But I do believe he's getting better.
"And when you just look at him purely for the goals he has scored so far, it's actually a decent start. I'm not giving that lad any stick in any way, I'm just saying, I struggle seeing more than one goal in Everton."
What David Moyes can't afford with Thierno Barry at Everton
There has been plenty of support from the Everton fanbase for Barry since his move to the club in 2025.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium faithful realise that the striker is young and needs time to settle in Merseyside.
It's clear the forward has plenty of potential and just needs to polish a few aspects of his game, but Moyes certainly doesn't have time for that.
Barry won't become a lethal goalscorer overnight, and the Scottish manager should push for a reliable number nine in January.
While Moyes will want to have faith in the former Villarreal ace, he can't afford to see him miss opportunities and potentially cost the 63-year-old head coach a contract extension at the Blues.