David Moyes, Thierno Barry
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Sat 9 August 2025 17:24, UK
Everton completed their pre-season campaign with a clash against Roma at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Whilst Everton may have fallen to a 1-0 defeat, they had plenty of chances and were the better side for large chunks of the game.
Matias Soule’s precise curling effort was enough to separate the two sides in an afternoon that had plenty of positives for Evertonians to take home.
Goodison News analyses the performances of David Moyes’ men as some made a strong claim to start the Premier League opener against Leeds United.
Everton manager David Moyes
Plenty of Moyes’ side were impressive despite the defeat (Credit: Imago)
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall impresses in midfield
Following his arrival from Chelsea, Dewsbury-Hall started in the number ten role and ran the show in the middle of the park for Everton.
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The 26-year-old made an hour cameo before being substituted off for Dwight McNeil, and the former Leicester City man looks to be a shrewd signing already.
Dewsbury-Hall showed his ability to drive with the ball in midfield and cause problems for the opposition, whilst also showcasing his creativity on the ball.
Dewsbury-Hall recorded four key passes during his hour on the pitch
The midfielder also created two big chances and proved to be a threat from set pieces after delivering a couple of threatening corners into the box.
Barry still looks raw
Barry arrived with a big reputation following his move from Villarreal, but the 22-year-old striker looks incredibly raw.
The Frenchman scuffed an effort on his left foot in the first half, and although he won a couple of headers in the box, he was unable to direct any towards goal that really threatened the goalkeeper.
Furthermore, instead of rolling the ball out wide to Carlos Alcaraz, who had made a promising run, Barry opted to shoot from distance, and his effort was easily saved.
In Barry’s defence, he should’ve registered an assist after sliding a good ball into the path of Iliman Ndiaye, but the winger was unable to convert from close range.
Moyes now has a difficult choice of who to start up top against Leeds, with neither Beto nor Barry thriving in pre-season.
Thierno Barry Everton
Barry struggled again against Roma (Credit: Hasan Karim)
Everton player ratings vs Roma
Jordan Pickford – 8
Jake O’Brien – 6
James Tarkowski – 7
Jarrad Branthwaite – 8
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 5
James Garner – 6
Idrissa Gueye – 6
Carlos Alcaraz – 7
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 8
Iliman Ndiaye – 6
Thierno Barry – 4
Subs:
Adam Aznou – 5
Dwight McNeil – 6
Beto – 5
Tim Iroegbunam – 5
Michael Keane – 5
Seamus Coleman – 5
Youssef Chermiti – 6
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