Thierno Barry finally got off the mark at the weekend with his first Everton goal coming in the victory over Nottingham Forest.
The French striker found the back of the net just before half time to double Everton’s lead against Sean Dyche’s side.
It was a goal that was welcomed by everyone inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium with David Moyes’ patience paying off.
Barry was made to wait 17 appearances into his Everton career, but the striker has now ended his drought in front of goal.
Having scored his first goal, Everton fans gave Barry a standing ovation when he was withdrawn in the second half for Beto.
The youngster’s confidence will be on another level heading into the game at Stamford Bridge, with Moyes now noticing something different about the 23-year-old.
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David Moyes notices something different about Thierno Barry at Everton
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has praised Barry on the back of his opening goal at the weekend, with all of his teammates supporting him through his struggles.
The Frenchman has now had a full week to prepare for his next outing at Stamford Bridge, and Moyes has liked what he’s seen.
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Speaking at Finch Farm to the media, the 62-year-old has admitted he’s seen a more confident Barry in training.
How many goals should Thierno Barry target this season? 🤩
He's entering the Chelsea game HUNGRY for more!
Thierno Barry on how it felt to score his first Everton goal.
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“The goal has hugely made a difference in him, but I had sensed it for a little while. He’s settled in more now, he’s training better and he’s looking more comfortable in the actions we’re asking him to do,” said Moyes.
“I was pleased he got the goal because he’ll be judged as a number nine by the number of goals he gets. He’s shown that he’s a good team player, he’s beginning to look a lot more settled, he’s speaking more than he did before; I don’t know if he’s just getting more confident with his English.”
Barry has thanked the Everton fans on the back of his opening goal against the Reds.
However, now it is time for him to put that goal behind him and continue adding more to his tally with another on Saturday against Chelsea.
Thierno Barry still has a lot to prove before January
Everton News understands that Everton still want to sign a new striker in January following a tricky start for Barry and Beto.
As much credit as Barry deserves for his perseverance, it has to be remembered that the Frenchman and Beto have only combined for two goals.
What could Evan Ferguson offer Everton that Thierno Barry doesn’t? 🤨
An overview of Evan Ferguson's stats in AS Roma vs Celtic.
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It has been suggested that Everton are eyeing Evan Ferguson, with the Ireland international’s future at AS Roma coming under real scrutiny.
In the weeks leading up to the market opening, Barry needs to continue to find the back of the net to nail down his spot in the starting XI.
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