- Joined from Villarreal with high promise but faced form and discipline issues.
- Friends allegedly celebrated Arsenal goals, causing rift with the Everton faithful.
- Scored six recent goals and set an aerial record against Manchester United.
Thierno Barry arrived at the start of the season from Villarreal. His first season at Everton has not gone as planned. The 23-year-old striker arrived from Villarreal last summer with promise, but a combination of inconsistent form and an unfortunate off‑pitch incident has strained his relationship with some Evertonians.
The trouble began during Everton’s 2‑0 defeat at Arsenal last month. Barry’s friends, seated in the away end, were accused of celebrating Arsenal’s late goals. Ugly scenes followed, with the Frenchman’s friends allegedly attacked by Everton fans.
Barry later spoke out against the violence on Instagram. When he came on as a substitute in the subsequent 3‑0 win over Chelsea, some Everton fans booed him. After the final whistle, he headed straight down the tunnel.
Thierno Barry: Numbers tell a different story
It would be easy to write Barry off. Thirty‑one appearances and only 32 shots is not the return Everton hoped for. But context matters. This is his first season in English football, and he is still adapting to the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.
Barry has scored six goals in his last 17 games. Without those contributions, Everton would not be in contention for European football.
In November, he set a Premier League record by winning 14 aerial duels against Manchester United, which underlines his physical potential. His strengths lie in his size, his hold‑up play and his willingness to battle defenders. His ball control and finishing are raw, but that is typical for a young striker of his build.
How Thierno Barry can win back the fans
The only way Barry can repair the damage is on the pitch. Boos will not disappear overnight, but goals have a way of changing the mood. He has shown he can link play and create space for others. What he needs now is a run of games and a goal or two to rebuild confidence.
David Moyes has a decision to make. Beto has been in good form, but with seven games remaining and European qualification in sight, rotation will be necessary. Barry’s physicality offers something different, maybe a late option against tiring defences.
Writing him off completely would be foolish. At 23, he has time to develop. His potential remains clear. The fans want to see goals. If Thierno Barry delivers those, the relationship can be repaired. If not, his Everton career may be over before it truly began. The remaining games of the season will be decisive for his future.
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