What is Thierno Barry’s biggest strength after impressive run this season?
Thierno Barry has quickly established himself at Everton following his move from Villarreal last season. He had an underperforming first season but he is hitting goals for fun this season. Thierno Barry already has 10 goals in all competitions this season and he doesn’t seem to be stopping.
With 10 Premier League games played, Thierno Barry also boasts the highest expected goals (xG) tally of any player in the league, as highlighted by Goodison News. Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak follow in second and third.
His recent performances have attracted plenty of attention, with former England striker Gary Lineker among those impressed by the forward. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker discussed Barry’s impressive numbers and highlighted his biggest quality.
Gary Lineker has praised Thierno Barry’s improvement in front of goal but believes the Everton striker’s movement is what makes him such a dangerous forward.
“A word on Thierno Barry. He’s quite interesting because he’s got a higher xG than Erling Haaland,” Lineker said.
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Gary Lineker identifies Barry’s biggest strength
While the Everton forward has sometimes struggled to convert his opportunities, his ability to find himself in scoring positions has been impressive.
“That tells you a couple of things. First, he needs to improve his finishing, which maybe now with two goals he is; secondly, his movement is clearly exceptional and he’s getting into positions to score.
“Down the line, because he’s still a young man, it’s easier to improve your finishing than the natural talent of finding positions to score goals.”
Alan Shearer has also praised the forward. He admitted that Barry’s missed opportunities had caught his attention in the past. However, he believes the forward’s ability to get into dangerous positions is an important part of his game.
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“There’s so many times I’ve looked at Barry and seen him miss sitters, and I was thinking ‘Oh my god. How has he missed that?’.
“Without a doubt he’s improving, but he keeps getting in those positions and doesn’t stop.”
Thierno Barry earning his rewards
Rather than allowing missed chances to affect his performances, the Frenchman has continued to put himself in positions to score.
“Already mentally he must be really strong because he doesn’t give a flying… It’s a great credit to him and he’s getting his rewards now,” Shearer said.
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With 10 goals already across all competitions, Thierno Barry is finally beginning to deliver the numbers Everton would have hoped for when they brought him to England from Villarreal.
Shumail Sajid writes about Manchester United for Read Man Utd and Crystal Palace for Read Crystal Palace, with occasional pieces on other Premier League clubs. He has also written for FanSided's Red Devils Dispatch, Yardbarker, Anfield Central and The Sports Side.
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