The Everton numbers that prove Folarin Balogun 'blessing in disguise' claim wrong

Everton's failed pursuit of Folarin Balogun has been well documented.

The American striker was at the Blues' Finch Farm base but decided not to go ahead with the deal.

That has left David Moyes' side with just one striker, with Thierno Barry to lead the line until January.

The Toffees have been heavily criticised for not bringing Balogun through the doors, even though it was the player's call.

The aftermath of the deadline day shambles has led to suggestions that the Monaco hitman has dodged a bullet.

However, that is not true, and data from the 2-2 draw with Manchester United proves they are wrong.

What's now been said about Folarin Balogun's failed Everton move?

American observers have been particularly prevalent with the idea that Balogun made a good call in not joining the L3 outfit in the end.

Jimmy Conrad, who was capped 27 times for the United States national team, labelled it as a blessing in disguise for the forward.

Speaking on CBS Sports last week, he said: “They’re not great, he could be in a situation, where in terms of chance creation, he might not get a lot of looks, and he needs that type of service.

“Not just from balls getting whipped in outside, but the ones that can play that through-ball.

“Jack Grealish coming in on loan would have changed that complexion, and he would have got a little bit of that service consistently.

“When we look at Everton last season, 13th out of 20 in the Premier League in terms of chance creation, so they’re not getting a lot of looks on goal. It could be a blessing in disguise.”

Those quotes have resurfaced and they look very silly after what happened at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.

What Everton stats prove these claims wrong?

The focus has been on the stunning strikes scored by Tyrique George and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the late stages.

However, in light of Conrad's claims, Barry's showing deserves more credit, and suggests his argument about Balogun not getting service is flawed.

The Blues frontman had the most touches in the opposition box with seven, and the joint-most shots with four, per FotMob data.

Therefore, the Frenchman was getting the ball in the box a lot and was handed opportunities to make an impact, something that the CBS Sports pundit claimed would not have happened for Balogun.

It is clear that Moyes would have adapted the system to fit the new man in, had he signed for the Merseysiders.

It may well have been a very profitable move on the pitch for the 25-year-old and off the field he would have been loved by supporters - just ask Grealish.

The former Arsenal man and his supporters may be end up wondering what might have been if Barry keeps on getting the chances that he is currently.