Thierno Barry has enjoyed a solid start to life at Everton as the Toffees ramped up their pre-season preparations in the United States.
The three games against Manchester United, West Ham and Bournemouth provided David Moyes with the opportunity to have a closer look at Thierno Barry, who joined in a £27m switch from Villarreal.
Barry impressed on his debut against Bournemouth, with Moyes pleased with his hold-up play.
“I thought Barry came on and actually did well for us as well,” the Scotsman explained.
“He came on and held the ball up quite well, looked as if he was going to work in behind as well. So there was a wee bit of a positive from that.”
Now, McKinlay has just shared his honest thoughts on how Barry has looked in his first couple of weeks with the Merseysiders.
Billy McKinlay gives verdict on new Everton signing Thierno Barry
McKinlay has been Moyes’ sidekick for well over a decade, having worked together at Real Sociedad, Sunderland, West Ham United and now Everton.
The 56-year-old is a trusted voice and is really hands-on with the players, so he’s been working closely with Barry during the Frenchman’s settling-in period.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, McKinlay explained that Barry has looked really sharp and is convinced he’ll be a ‘good addition’.
“Thierno has looked really good,” the Everton assistant said. “He’s settled in and he seems a quiet lad, but we’ll see how his character develops with the group.
“In the short periods he’s had in games, he’s worked really hard and looks like he’ll be a good addition to the squad in terms of what he’s going to bring. He’s young and hungry and that competition that he’s providing for Beto has been terrific as well.”
Thierno Barry and Beto set to fight for starting spot against Leeds
Barry is yet to make his first start for Everton, with Moyes picking Beto to lead the line in pre-season so far.
Beto enjoyed a productive second half of last season, netting seven Premier League goals from February onwards.
So, quite clearly, Barry will have to fight for a spot in Moyes’ starting line-up against Leeds United on the opening day.
‘However, Moyes was open in his criticism of Beto before Everton’s pre-season clash with Manchester United, meaning Barry could be afforded the opportunity to lead the line in the Toffees’ Premier League opener.
Everton News was exclusively told that Barry will be first choice this season, so it wouldn’t at all be surprising if he started in the final friendly against AS Roma on August 9 in preparation for the trip to Elland Road.
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