Thierno Barry is ready to make his mark for Everton this season. The 23-year-old scored his third goal in a promising pre-season on Wednesday night and his stature is growing with every performance.
That much was clear after the morale-boosting win over Newcastle United, a 3-1 victory he was central to.
Summer transformation
Barry's latest display comes towards the end of a summer he began by posting videos on his social media declaring his determination to play “with the mentality to dominate”, declaring: “A wounded animal is often very dangerous because it has nothing to lose.”
The former France Under-21 international is living up to that promise so far. Goals against Dundee, VfB Stuttgart and now the Magpies have dovetailed with an assist at Hamburg to put him in pole position to lead Everton’s frontline when the season starts against Crystal Palace.
Building on last season
It would be a deserved reward for a player whose return of eight goals in his debut Premier League season was undermined by a slow start and some frustrating displays.
Eager to build on that foundation, he said after Wednesday’s win at Murrayfield: “I trained a lot this summer… the first season coming to a new league is difficult. They are new defenders, the best defenders in the world, so I needed to adapt. Now I know a little bit more.”
Comfortable with team-mates
Delighted with his return this summer, Barry is willing to acknowledge his contribution is also dependent on those around him - Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl chief among those he seems to be on the same wavelength as.
He added: “I also know more about my team-mates. Last season I came [to the club] in the middle of the pre-season, so I didn't have the time to get to know everybody. Now I'm more comfortable talking in English with everybody. I feel more comfortable.
“I watch a lot of commentary about me, about my pre-season. And I don't think I had a season where I showed who I am.
“So I trained a lot this summer for that. Now I'm happy. I'm here. I have three goals now. And I hope I can continue like this in the Premier League.”
