Thierno Barry has turned a corner at Everton over the last month or so.
It took Thierno Barry until December to score his first goal for Everton following his £30m transfer from Villarreal.
Now, Barry can’t stop scoring, having netted his fourth goal in his last five games against Leeds United at the weekend.
How impressed were you with Thierno Barry vs Leeds United? 👏
David Moyes has noticed how much more confident Barry is around Finch Farm and now the Frenchman has just hit back at those who have criticised him this season.
Thierno Barry uses criticism to fuel his performances
Speaking to Everton’s website after the Leeds game, Barry admitted he’s used the doubters as motivation this season.
“(The criticism) doesn’t bother me, but I think it maybe does for my family, so that’s why I did these celebrations (pointing to myself),” the 23-year-old said.
“Some people would say I am the worst striker! So I say, ‘Okay, me? I am the worst striker?’, that is why I (point to myself) after I score!
Signing a Jack Grealish replacement is more important now… 🤔
“You know, I like this. I like to prove the critics wrong about me. For me, I don’t care – I like it when someone talks about me!”
Barry also added that he took time to adapt to the Premier League because of the difference in quality coming from La Liga.
David Moyes still wants more from Thierno Barry
Whilst Barry has clearly made vast improvements since joining last summer, Moyes is still demanding more from his centre-forward.
Speaking last week, the Scotsman 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.”
Moyes is a mastermind at man management, and this tough love is exactly what’s needed to get the best out of some young players.
It’s different for each individual, but for Barry’s character, it seems like a very smart approach from the Toffees boss.
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