Thierno Barry is beginning to find his feet at Everton.
The Frenchman only netted once in his first 18 Premier League appearances following a £27m move from Villarreal back in July – but has since come to life with three goals in his last four league games.
David Moyes has now been asked by Sky Sports for his thoughts as Thierno Barry starts to shine, but the Everton boss delivered a pretty blunt assessment.
Would signing a new striker ruin Barry’s development?
David Moyes tells Thierno Barry he still needs to “score more” for Everton
The Glaswegian did express some sympathy for the 23-year-old, acknowledging that the Premier League is a tough division for a striker to play in.
However, Moyes was also quite clear in telling Barry that he still needs more from him, after just four goals in 22 Premier League appearances overall this season.
The 62-year-old said: “He’s certainly improved since he first came in. It’s never easy to come into a new country, especially to come to the Premier League and be a centre-forward, which is the hardest position. But, I have to say, I need him to score more. You’re young, you’re relatively inexperienced at this level, but that goes right out the window.”
We feel this is the correct approach from Moyes.
Of course, Barry has done well in recent weeks, but he still has plenty to do to live up to his £27m price tag before people at Everton start patting him on the back.
The pressure on Barry to deliver may only increase in the coming days, as Fenerbahce attempt to sign Beto – a deal which would leave Moyes with just one recognised striker if it materialises.
How Thierno Barry fares against Leeds United could be decisive as transfer deadline day approaches
Barry is expected to start against Leeds on Monday, and his performance could well help Everton make up their mind about whether to seriously push for a new striker.
Some options have already been explored, as Everton pursued Tammy Abraham before his move to Aston Villa, while the Toffees also wanted Youssef En-Nesyri before he opted for Juventus instead.
Everton are aware of Jorgen Strand Larsen as Wolves slap a £40m price tag on the Norwegian, who Leeds have already seen a £30m bid rejected for.
Everton fans, let’s hear your score predictions for the Leeds United game!
Can the Toffees build on that brilliant win vs Aston Villa? 🤔
So, if Barry endures a nightmare on Monday evening, it could well force Everton into doing some late business.
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