Thierno Barry’s brace against Coventry City on Friday night took his tally for the campaign to 10 in all competitions - two better than he managed last season
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
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Alan Shearer believes David Moyes deserves credit for Thierno Barry’s hot streak in front of goal. Barry’s brace against Coventry City on Friday night took his tally for the campaign to 10 in all competitions.
The Frenchman has now scored in three successive games for the first time for Everton and only the second time in his career. He also has six in his last seven in all competitions and 10 for the season – two more than he managed in his maiden campaign.
And reflecting on Barry’s form, Shearer believes: "You mentioned David Moyes and you have to give him credit for the work that's gone on behind the scenes.
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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.
"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."
Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (nine) and Alexander Isak of Liverpool (seven) have more goals than Barry in the Premier League this season.
Thierno Barry celebrates after scoring Everton's second goal against Coventry City
Thierno Barry celebrates after scoring Everton's second goal against Coventry City(Image: (Peter Byrne/Press Association))
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And former Blues forward Gary Lineker believes the 24-year-old has not only improved his movement, but he is getting himself in positions to score.
"A word on Thierno Barry. He's quite interesting because he's got a higher xG than Erling Haaland," he said on The Rest is Football podcast. "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."
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Reflecting on his impressive start to the campaign, Barry said: “I'm very happy because it's always a pleasure to score and I'm so happy to do my first assist in the Premier League. So yeah, [it was] the perfect game.
“I want to make this season mine, so I just work a lot every time to do my best. I think I’ve done a lot of good things. I’ve worked a lot during pre-season, and also with Bainesy (Leighton Baines) during training sessions.
“Things are better now. The fans know me more. I’m very happy we’re now in the same way.”