Football has a funny way of changing people’s opinions, and Thierno Barry is currently enjoying one of those transformations that even the most imaginative football scriptwriter might struggle to produce. After managing just eight goals in 41 appearances during his difficult debut season at Everton, the French striker has matched that entire tally in only 12 games this campaign. Suddenly, the player who once struggled to convince sections of the Everton faithful is becoming one of the most important figures in David Moyes’ attacking plans.
Barry’s latest contribution came against Newcastle United, where his second goal against the Magpies in five days helped Everton secure another important victory at St James’ Park. The turnaround is particularly striking given how difficult his introduction to English football proved to be. It appears that the striker has finally discovered the difference between arriving in the Premier League and actually making the Premier League notice you.
FROM STRUGGLING SIGNING TO EVERTON’S UNEXPECTED GOAL MACHINE
When Everton invested approximately £27 million to bring Barry from Villarreal last summer, expectations were understandably high. However, his early performances offered little encouragement, and the striker endured a difficult introduction to life on Merseyside. At one point, he managed just one shot across his first 16 appearances for the club. For a centre-forward, that statistic was less of a goal drought and more of an extended holiday from the penalty area.
Last season, Barry eventually found some improvement, finishing with eight goals in 41 appearances across competitions. Nevertheless, the criticism, pressure and scrutiny were difficult to escape. His emotional struggles became public knowledge after footage emerged of him breaking down during an individual training session. It was a reminder that behind the transfer fees, football shirts and weekly wages are human beings dealing with the pressure of performing in front of thousands of demanding supporters.
THE GREAT REVIVAL: WHEN HARD WORK FINALLY STARTS PAYING DIVIDENDS
Fast-forward to the current campaign, and Barry’s revival has become one of Everton’s most encouraging stories. Eight goals in just 12 games represent a remarkable improvement on last season’s return. His recent performances have also strengthened his importance to Moyes, particularly following Beto’s departure to Fiorentina, which has left Barry as Everton’s only recognised senior centre-forward. Suddenly, the striker who once struggled to get shots away is carrying a significant share of the club’s attacking responsibility.
Barry has credited his improvement to the hard work he put in during the summer, while his manager David Moyes has welcomed the goals and persistence of his forward. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also acknowledged that although Barry still misses opportunities, he continues to get into scoring positions and, more importantly, finds the net. His celebrations now tell a different story from the emotional training-ground footage of last season. Everton supporters who once questioned the signing are beginning to enjoy the rewards of patience, while rival defenders are discovering that the previously struggling striker has become rather inconvenient.
