Moyes reveals Leighton Baines’ role in Thierno Barry’s Everton improvement
David Moyes has praised Leighton Baines for the work he is doing with Thierno Barry as the Everton striker continues his impressive goalscoring form.
Barry scored twice and set up another goal in Friday’s 3-1 comeback victory over Coventry City, taking his tally to 10 in all competitions this season. The 24-year-old has already surpassed the eight goals he managed in 41 appearances last term.
Baines working on Barry’s finishing
Speaking before the Coventry game, Moyes revealed that Baines has been spending considerable time helping Barry improve his finishing.
“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.
The Everton manager also explained that Barry’s development has involved sessions on the training pitch and analysis away from it.
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“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.”
Baines, who spent 13 seasons as an Everton player, is now part of Moyes’ coaching staff. His involvement offers an insight into the work being done with Barry, although Moyes made clear that several coaches have contributed.
Barry shows progress against Coventry
Barry’s performance on Friday demonstrated why Moyes is pleased with his progress.
After Coventry took the lead early in the second half, the Frenchman headed in Vitalii Mykolenko’s cross to equalise before bundling home Tyrique George’s delivery to put Everton ahead.
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He then produced an excellent through ball for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to score the third, completing a comeback that lifted Everton to fifth in the Premier League ahead of the weekend’s remaining fixtures.
Speaking after the match, Moyes described Barry’s display as “fabulous” and praised the improvement in his communication and understanding of what is required.
Barry is receiving the headlines for his goals, but Moyes’ comments show that Baines and the wider coaching staff are playing an important part in his development.
Read our Everton 3-1 Coventry match report and Moyes’ reaction to the victory.
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Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
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