Thierno Barry, a 22-year-old forward from France, is catching the eyes of the Toffees. The club are keen to bolster their attacking options and view him as an exciting addition. Barry stands at a towering 6’5” frame, immediately putting fear into opponents and intimidating them with his physical stature. This frame ensures him as an ideal counterpart for the physical aerial duels often stipulated by manager David Moyes. His breakout last season saw him net 20 league goals. This success story catapulted him on to become one of the most exciting young prospects in European football.
Barry’s scoring touch ranks him in elite company among repeat scorers. He is undoubtedly one of, if not the, most unique athletes in Europe’s five major leagues. At 22 years old or younger, he scored the 12th most league goals last season. This accomplishment speaks to his extraordinary artistry. More importantly, it shows his ability to shine amongst stiffer competition, something that has piqued the interest of Everton.
In a career once characterized by constant movement, Barry has jumped from club to club each year for the last four years. In spite of this challenge, he has adapted beautifully to every new environment he’s faced. His travels first began in France. There, he faced adversity that propelled him to seek greater opportunities in Belgium and Switzerland.
Barry’s potential first became evident during his time at Beveren in Belgium’s second tier, where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities. He’s certainly built up a fair amount of experience for a player who turns 23 in October. That experience has made him a more complete player. He’s gone from holding the ball up to being the best off-the-ball movement menace who constantly runs in behind opposing defenses.
We wanted to develop a thinking player.” Gunter Vandebroeck, Barry’s former coach at Beveren, gave a glimpse into his evolution. He realized that though Barry made life hard on the field occasionally, he wanted to get better.
“In his time with us, he complicated things too much. So he needed to improve his vision and decision-making in the final third to make the next steps.” – Gunter Vandebroeck
Vandebroeck further credited Barry’s mental toughness and focus that was developed during those early years.
“He was still very young but he was hungry and determined,” – Gunter Vandebroeck
The forward’s charisma plays just as big a role as the goals in making him so popular. As a very quiet winner, Barry is an unassuming presence. He’s sometimes the one leading the post-game locker room celebration too, a true competitive spirit. As Vandebroeck watched Barry’s laser-cut determination, something clicked in his own brain. Like Barry, though, he tends to work in isolation, is equally proud – and a touch obstinate – in pursuing his ambitions.
Everton would apparently be interested in adding Barry to their squad permanently. They realize that, unlike their current big forward Beto, he offers a different kind of playing style. Barry provides an intriguing wildcard option for Moyes with his combination of size, muscle and fancy feet. This union might enable Moyes upon his return to conjure up an Everton side that is regularly in the mix for champions league places.
Barry’s appointment to France’s Under-21 Championship squad in Slovakia is the latest evidence of his rising profile within the game. His international performances are sure to boost his profile further. This level of attention will draw clubs searching for the next big thing.
Leave a Reply