Saha reveals what he has heard about Thierno Barry behind the scenes at Everton

Former Everton striker Louis Saha believes Thierno Barry is responding well to the added responsibility placed on him by David Moyes this season.

Barry, who turns 24 today, has scored six goals this term after becoming Everton’s only recognised senior centre-forward following Beto’s summer departure for Fiorentina. It is a marked change from his first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Barry had to wait 17 appearances and 737 minutes for his first Everton goal after completing a £27million move from Villarreal, while he also competed with Beto for a regular starting place.

Speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, Saha said the striker has benefited from taking on greater responsibility in Moyes’ side.

“I think now, by being on his own, he is taking a bit more responsibility and gaining confidence in the right way,” Saha said. “It’s good for him and he has to keep going.”

Saha encouraged by Barry’s work at Everton

Saha, who scored 35 times in 115 appearances for Everton, also revealed that he had heard positive reports about Barry’s determination to improve away from matchdays.

“I think he’s got his eyes on higher standards as well,” he said. “I heard that he’s working really hard behind the scenes and it’s a good sign.”

Barry featured in all 41 of Everton’s matches in all competitions last season but frequently shared centre-forward duties with Beto. Saha believes his fellow Frenchman is now gaining confidence as Everton’s main striker, although he stressed that maintaining those standards will be the challenge. The former Everton forward also believes Moyes can play an important role in Barry’s development, having experienced the manager’s methods himself after joining the club in 2008.

Everton’s failure to sign another centre-forward before the summer deadline has increased Barry’s importance. A proposed move for Monaco striker Folarin Balogun failed to materialise, leaving Moyes with limited cover in the position. Barry has still passed up chances this season, but his six goals represent clear progress in front of goal, and Saha believes he is moving in the right direction.

“The main thing is to get that ball in the back of the net,” he said, “and he’s doing better on that front this season.”

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