Photo by Neal Simpson/Allstar/Getty Images
Photo by Neal Simpson/Allstar/Getty Images
Everton have started the new season well and the failure to sign Folarin Balogun has, so far, not proven disastrous.
The club’s attempt to sign Balogun ended up being arguably the biggest story of the day, with the USMNT striker walking away at the last second.
He had become uncomfortable with Everton’s behaviour, which saw them go back to AS Monaco to renegotiate a deal.
In the end, he walked away, and Landon Donovan has since suggested Everton’s reservations were about Balogun’s running data. Whatever the reason, he didn’t join – but Tim Cahill has put a positive spin on the situation.
Tim Cahill launches defence of The Friedkin Group
Tim Cahill launches defence of The Friedkin Group
Tim Cahill adamant Everton don’t need Folarin Balogun
Cahill has done an interview with BBC Sport Merseyside and given his thoughts about Everton’s current situation.
In the interview, Cahill defended The Friedkin Group over their lack of visibility and running of the club.
He also predicted Tyler Dibling to have a ‘massive’ season.
On the Balogun episode, Cahill insisted it will be a blessing in disguise for Everton, as he praised Thierno Barry.
He said: “I think when you look at the situation of missing out on Balogun, I think it’s a blessing in disguise, because there was a lot of uncertainty around the transfer, and it’s given Barry the opportunity to show himself.
“I was at the game against Wolves, and one of the good things about Barry, and even I went to training and I watched training, is he tries hard and he does give everything. And we know it as footballers, when you’re playing for Everton, it’s not going your way. It doesn’t matter what you do, there’s always that expectation from the fans.
“But the main thing is, it doesn’t matter who plays from the 21, it matters that everyone’s giving everything.”
Balogun only just made his first appearance of the season last Friday for AS Monaco.
He had been dealing with a minor injury, which prevented him from playing, so had he moved to Everton, the likelihood is that we wouldn’t have seen him in the opening weeks.
That he wasn’t signed certainly means Barry will be heavily involved for Everton. So far, he’s played in and started all seven of Everton’s games.
Barry talked about improvements he’d make ahead of the season and the Frenchman has certainly looked better in several aspects of his game so far. If he can just become a bit more clinical, then Everton will really be in business