Everton star Thierno Barry, Duncan Ferguson and Ally McCoist
Everton star Thierno Barry, Duncan Ferguson and Ally McCoist
The French striker has well and truly turned his reputation around with an impressive start to the campaign.
Barry only managed eight goals last season, and regularly frustrated fans with his missed chances and social media actions.
The 24-year-old has already notched 10 goals in 13 games in all competitions this season, and finally looks like the forward that David Moyes needs.
Barry has taken the burden of being the only striker on the books in his stride, and has well and truly adapted to English football.
His recent showings have led to plenty of media attention, including from former Toffees icon Ferguson.
What was said about Thierno Barry's Everton form?
Ferguson admitted that he was stunned by Barry's development and left McCoist in hysterics with a claim that he made live on air.
Speaking live on talkSPORT's breakfast show on Wednesday, Ferguson said: “Who’d have ever thought Barry would be scoring the goals he has been scoring.
“Last year, he was absolutely useless, to be honest with you.
“This year he’s kicked on hasn’t he, they have worked hard with him on the training ground.
“As you know, that is the hardest part of football, I suppose you don’t Ally, because you found it easy.”
McCoist reacted by rocking back and laughing at the comment at the end.
Ferguson's assessment is fine praise for the Hill Dickinson Stadium star, but can he continue his scoring?
Can Barry keep up his impressive goalscoring record?
Barry has six goals in 10 Premier League games so far, and they have been spread out quite evenly.
He scored in the opening game of the season against Crystal Palace, then did not strike in the next three matches.
The France Under-21 international then bagged against Ipswich Town and Hull City.
He blanked against Arsenal and Chelsea, before scoring one against Newcastle and a double against Coventry.
The underlying numbers also suggest that his form will continue, as he has managed 0.77 expected goals per game, which ranks in the 94th percentile among positional peers.
According to FotMob data, he is averaging 3.79 shots and 1.58 shots on target per 90 minutes, which ranks in the 94th and 88th percentiles for strikers.
Therefore, it would be no surprise if he carried on scoring throughout the season, and finishes the campaign with a high goals total.
Hopefully, that is the case, as he could be the difference between Moyes' side qualifying for European football, or missing out on their main ambition.