Headline: Thierno Barry Shines for Everton, Matching Last Season’s Goal Count in Just 12 Games
Last season, Thierno Barry netted eight goals in 41 appearances. This season, he has quickly reached that same tally in just 12 games.
On Monday night, Barry scored against Newcastle for the second time in five days, leading his side to a well-deserved victory at St James’ Park in the Premier League.
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Only Erling Haaland (13) has found the net more times among Premier League players in all competitions this season, placing Barry (eight) among the top scorers.
The 24-year-old is currently experiencing his best form since arriving from Villarreal last summer. With Beto’s transfer to Fiorentina leaving him as Everton’s sole recognized senior striker, Barry’s contributions have become crucial for the team.
His recent goal underscored why Everton invested £27 million in a striker who grew up watching Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku score for the Toffees.
The French striker had a challenging start at Everton, managing only one shot during his first 16 appearances. Last month, he posted a video of himself breaking down during a private training session last season.
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In stark contrast to that moment, he celebrated scoring on Monday night with a knee slide followed by some dance moves.
“I was working a lot during the summer and now we can see the result,” Barry told Sky Sports. “The season is long but I’m happy to help the team with my goals. I want to enjoy more than last season and I enjoyed my celebration, so I am happy.”
However, his strike drew controversy, with Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle stating there was “a clear foul on Fabian Schar” in the build-up.
Barry Cements Himself as Everton’s Main Man
Barry leads the Premier League in terms of involvement in big chances for his team.
Before the match on Monday, Everton had created 24 big chances, with Barry being involved in 15 of them (62.5%).
Despite past criticism for his finishing, Barry continued to demonstrate his potential. In Monday’s encounter, although he missed a glorious opportunity after latching onto Jarrad Branthwaite’s flick-on, he still managed to secure a goal—an easy tap-in from two yards that came with a remarkably high xG of 0.995.
“We know Barry misses chances, but we also know this season he keeps going and he scores goals,” former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher commented on Sky Sports.
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Manager David Moyes stated, “We’re thrilled he’s getting the goals because you need your centre-forward to score. He has missed a few but thankfully tonight he was on the spot to get the goal.”
