Thierno Barry delivered another disappointing performance from the bench as Everton fell to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby.
The Frenchman replaced Beto – who impressed throughout and netted the equaliser for Everton – in the 73rd minute, but hardly did anything of note for David Moyes as the Toffees suffered late heartbreak.
Thierno Barry could be forgiven for failing to score, but it was his lack of effort off the ball which irked some Everton fans, and Chris Sutton even picked up on a moment of laziness just before Virgil van Dijk scored the winner.
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David Moyes, Manager of Everton, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
Chris Sutton calls Thierno Barry out for his lack of movement
One thing Beto does very well is running the channels and giving his teammates an option to hit while under pressure.
Despite his freshness having only come off the bench in the 73rd minute, Barry did nothing of the sort, and was often stood still or merely jogging as his teammates desperately needed an out ball.
This desperation was particularly evident as Liverpool piled on a bit of late pressure, and as Arne Slot saw his side push, Sutton called Barry out for “not giving anybody an option” to relieve some pressure on the Everton backline.
Thierno Barry of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington
Just moments later, Liverpool won a corner after Everton struggled to find a way out, which ultimately led to Van Dijk nodding in the winner.
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Of course, Barry is not solely to blame for that goal, as James Tarkowski could have done better up against the Netherlands international.
However, there is no excusing the Everton No.11 for his decision not to run the channels and help his teammates out, especially as he was a late substitute and had the energy to do exactly that.
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Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton FC reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/MB Media
Everton fans already booed Barry during the recent 3-0 win over Chelsea after his friends allegedly fought supporters inside the Emirates Stadium, and his lack of effort in a massive game will only make him less popular amongst the fanbase.
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