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David Moyes says Everton legend has been helping Thierno Barry behind the scenes
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Thierno Barry is on a roll right now for Everton, and David Moyes has revealed who’s been helping him behind the scenes.
The Frenchman got the winner as Everton beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James’ Park on Monday night, taking his tally to eight goals and two assists in 12 games in all competitions.
But there’s still one criticism that keeps following Thierno Barry around, and that’s his finishing. Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Coventry, David Moyes explained exactly who’s been working with him on it.
David Moyes’ contract is up at the end of the season… what should Everton do? 👀
📝 Offer him a new deal🤷♂️ Wait until the end of the season to decide🆕 Don’t offer a new contract and find a new manager
I say keep him, doing a fantastic job right now
Kick Moyes upstairs as head of recruitment (he has an eye for lower league talent) and get Howe in as manager.
Then he needs to start playing the younger guys
Leighton Baines has been working on Thierno Barry’s finishing
It turns out a club legend and assistant coach has been putting in the hours with the striker. “I think a lot of people take care of Thierno. Leighton Baines does a lot of work with him, a lot of finishing work,” Moyes said.
“There are things we’re trying to improve. We’ve all had moments with him, where it’s in the video room or the training field. But I think he’s maturing, as well. He’s adapting to the culture and what’s required.”
Leighton Baines has been part of Moyes’ first-team coaching staff since the Scotsman returned in January 2025, and it’s clear he’s playing a big part in Barry’s development.
T. Barry
Everton – Premier League (2026 – 2027)
Appearances 9
Minutes Played 765
Average Rating 7.08
Shots 22
Shots on Target 13
Goals 4
Thierno Barry is getting the chances, now he has to take them
Barry’s biggest problem has always been his wastefulness in front of goal. According to FotMob, he has missed 13 big chances in the Premier League this season, the most in the league by far. Rayan is next on eight.
But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Barry also has the second-highest xG in the Premier League (6.4), behind only Erling Haaland (6.6). In other words, he’s getting into the right positions, time and time again.
And it’s worth pointing out who topped the big chances missed chart last season: Haaland and Igor Thiago. They also happened to be the league’s top two scorers.
So yes, Barry can be frustrating and erratic in front of goal. With four Premier League goals from 6.4 xG, he’s still leaving a couple on the table. Even Michael Owen admitted “he misses more than anybody”.
But there’s a proper striker there, one who has improved a lot since joining last season. He scored eight league goals in 38 games last term, and already has four in nine this time around.
If Baines can help him iron out those misses, and he continues to grow in confidence, Everton have a proper No.9 on their hands. Hopefully he can keep his scoring run going against Coventry on Friday night.