Michael Ball has made a very interesting point about Everton striker Thierno Barry.
Thierno Barry has really struggled to get Everton supporters on board this season, which is partly due to his lack of goals.
The Frenchman, a £30m acquisition from Villarreal, took his Premier League tally to eight after his brace against Manchester City on Monday evening.
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Ball reckons there is more to it than just goals, though, as he explained that his natural body language can sometimes give off the wrong energy.
Thierno Barry can sometimes appear as if he isn’t trying says Michael Ball
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Ball made the point that Barry’s body language may be in part the reason why he’s found it difficult to get onside with Everton fans.
“Barry has had a difficult period since the Arsenal game, both in terms of his form and the aftermath of his online comments following the incident with the fans,” Ball explained.
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“My position behind the home dugout on Monday also ensured that I got a close-up view of him warming up and he looked quite languid as he was getting ready.
“I think that’s just his natural body language though and that sometimes counts against him because, especially compared to the bustling Beto, it can appear that he’s not trying, but that isn’t the case.
“I was laid back as a player, and even Duncan Ferguson could appear that way, but Thierno is virtually horizontal.
“He’s now on eight goals for the season and while players might not declare such things in public, you always like to give yourselves little targets and he’ll be looking to finish his debut season in the Premier League on double figures now.”
It’s a well-made point from Ball and certainly something worth considering, as Barry does seem to have a bit more scrutiny on him compared to other Everton players.
The 23-year-old is clearly keen to improve and succeed on Merseyside, so we should be less judgmental of his body language.
Ultimately, he will have to be more consistent and better in his hold-up play to win back the supporters.
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