David Moyes was speaking about Thierno Barry ahead of Everton's upcoming Premier League game against West Ham United at the London Stadium
David Moyes and Thierno Barry
David Moyes and Thierno Barry(Image: (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images))
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David Moyes has warned Thierno Barry he is not guaranteed to replace Beto and in no uncertain terms told the forward how he needs to improve. Barry, a £27m summer signing from Villarreal, has found himself on the bench in recent weeks, with Beto having rediscovered his goalscoring touch.
The forward has scored four goals in his last three games and was on target during last weekend’s 2-1 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool. However, after drawing his side level, the former Udinese Calcio man was replaced by Barry after being left concussed.
As a result, Beto will be unavailable for tomorrow’s game away to West Ham United, but Moyes offered no assurances to Barry that he will be handed a start at the London Stadium.
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Barry has only scored once in the last 10 matches, and after a disappointing display against Arne Slot’s side, Moyes told him how he can improve.
He said: “He can score, can’t he? Score and play well, be a team player. If you do that, then we don’t ask for much more. We are asking him to do the best he possibly can. Nothing more.
“Hopefully he can fulfil that for us. He’s had moments this season where he has been very good for us so I am hoping he can do it again.”
And when asked if Beto’s unavailability will give Barry a chance, Moyes bluntly replied: “If I choose to play him.”
David Moyes and Beto during Everton's win over Nottingham Forest
David Moyes and Beto during Everton's win over Nottingham Forest(Image: (Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images))
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When asked to elaborate on what he meant, the Scot said: “I have other people who I think can do it and I could consider that, yeah. I’m not going to tell you Graeme Sharp is getting himself ready, so there you go you can write that.”
Moyes also confirmed that Braiden Graham is not in his thinking – despite impressing for the club’s under-21s this season.
The 18-year-old was named in Moyes’ senior squad for the first time for the 2-0 away win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on December 30, while he was also among the substitutes for the FA Cup third round tie against Sunderland on January 10.
Braiden Graham celebrates scoring during the Premier League International Cup match between Everton U21 and RB Leipzig U21 at Goodison Park on January 20, 2025
Braiden Graham celebrates scoring during the Premier League International Cup match between Everton U21 and RB Leipzig U21 at Goodison Park on January 20, 2025(Image: Emma Simpson/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
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But when asked if he might turn to Graham before the end of the season, Moyes replied: “Everybody wants good young players to come through and I'm pleased that Braiden's doing well. I think he's got a bit to go before he's at our level.
“I am really pleased, and if he does that, he will get more noticed and probably get more chances of being seen in pre-season than he would do now.
“I think if you are introducing that level of player now, then you would be thinking, 'What are you doing that for when you think you are still fighting things?'"