Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish in action for Everton
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Glenn Hoddle claims Everton have a player who reminds him of Didier Drogba
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Thierno Barry has simplified his game for Everton
What stood out most against Coventry wasn’t just the goals, though. It was everything else. Barry held the ball up brilliantly, protected it under pressure and brought others into play. He’s simplified his game, and we’re finally seeing a top striker.
Last season, even after scoring, he’d try four step-overs and something outrageous. Now, he keeps it simple, and it works. If he wins his first header or gets his first lay-off right, he’s a completely different player for the rest of the night.
There’s a mental side to it too. Last season, one missed chance and he’d often be hooked. Now, without Beto there, it’s all on Barry, and he seems to love that responsibility. He knows if he misses one, another chance will come.
You can see the extra work on the training ground is paying off, too. He’s stronger, he’s sharper on the ball, and Everton have got better at getting it to him, whether that’s into feet or in the air, with players like Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George and Harrison Armstrong arriving in support.
Is he the next Drogba? That’s a big ask. But if Barry keeps improving at this rate, Everton have a proper No.9 on their hands.
David Moyes told what he needs to at Everton to be manager of the season
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League 2026/27
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David Moyes has done an outstanding job this season for Everton and has now been told exactly what he needs to do to be the manager of the season.
Right now, David Moyes appears set for a new Everton contract thanks to the performance of his team this season, with a push for European football now expected.
Despite the suggestion that the fanbase were growing weary at the end of last season, Everton want Moyes tied down now as he is in a way, working wonders with a massively unprepared squad which has gaping holes currently.
If he keeps this up, perhaps manager of the year might be warranted. Assuming he achieves some objectives.
Everton’s band of brothers have rallied after a difficult summer - but who has been their best player this season so far?!
Jordan PickfordOther (name in the comments)
@gramorris if I was Graham I would be saying yo moyes I've been on the bench for the last 5 games I'm not going on lone and I will be going to my agent to get me a transfer to a club that believe in young talent
We are great at telling ourselves how good our team is .a couple of defeats and we could be in the bottom 3 we are a average side lucky win over Coventry. We need more fire power.so let's look at Moylan of Cardiff City knows where the net is and he is young
Harrison Armstrong, for his age and workrate, got to refuse all offers that will surely come.
Steven Gerrard suggests how David Moyes can win manager of the year
Appearing on The Overlap Daily, Steven Gerrard has suggested that Moyes deserves his flowers and could be the manager of the season if he continues this strong season.
“They do. They do. And David Moyes deserves a lot of praise. He probably can’t say this, but I don’t think he got enough backing in the summer in terms of numbers in his squad.
“Obviously, they lost Ndiaye, which was a big loss. He was arguably their best player last year. But to have Everton, I think they jumped to fourth on Friday night after the win. Obviously, I think Liverpool have gone back above them because Liverpool beat Palace.
“But to have Everton where they are now, they’re in the quarter-final of the League Cup. I’ve got Everton friends who really love the team and follow Everton. They’re saying to me, “We’d love a top-eight finish, but we’ve got to go and win the League Cup. They want to go and win a trophy.”
“It reminds me a little bit of where Newcastle were pre-League Cup, when they beat Liverpool.
“They’ve got Fleetwood in the last eight. With all due respect, if Everton turn up, they should be in the semi-final of the League Cup.
“So if you’re David Moyes, if he can go and win the League Cup and have Everton around that top eight, pound for pound, that’s probably arguably going to be the best job of the season, in my opinion, with a small squad.”
Everton are currently sixth in the Premier League after more than a quarter of the season is gone, which is a finish that fans would absolutely take come May.
Meanwhile, Everton also face an EFL Cup quarter-final against Fleetwood Town, which is a golden opportunity to reach the semi-finals at least.