Thierno Barry's brace against Coventry City on Friday night took his tally for the campaign to 10 in all competitions, prompting praise from Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker. The Frenchman has now scored in three successive games for the first time for Everton and only the second time in his career.
Barry has six goals in his last seven appearances in all competitions and 10 for the season – two more than he managed in his maiden campaign at the club.
Shearer credits Moyes for Barry's improvement
Reflecting on Barry's form, Shearer believes David Moyes deserves credit for the work behind the scenes. "You mentioned David Moyes and you have to give him credit for the work that's gone on behind the scenes," he said.
"There's so many times I've looked at Barry and seen him miss sitters, and I was thinking: 'Oh my god'. How has he missed that?'. Without a doubt he's improving, but he keeps getting in those positions and doesn't stop."
"Already mentally he must be really strong because he doesn't give a flying... It's a great credit to him and he's getting his rewards now."
Lineker highlights exceptional movement
Only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (nine) and Alexander Isak of Liverpool (seven) have more goals than Barry in the Premier League this season. Former Everton forward Gary Lineker believes the 24-year-old has improved his movement and is getting himself into scoring positions.
"A word on Thierno Barry. He's quite interesting because he's got a higher xG than Erling Haaland," he said on The Rest is Football podcast. "That tells you a couple of things."
"First, he needs to improve his finishing, which maybe now with two goals he is; secondly, his movement is clearly exceptional and he's getting into positions to score."
"Down the line, because he's still a young man, it's easier to improve your finishing than the natural talent of finding positions to score goals."
Barry aims to make season his own
Reflecting on his start to the campaign, Barry said: "I'm very happy because it's always a pleasure to score and I'm so happy to do my first assist in the Premier League. So yeah, [it was] the perfect game."
"I want to make this season mine, so I just work a lot every time to do my best. I think I've done a lot of good things. I've worked a lot during pre-season, and also with Bainesy (Leighton Baines) during training sessions."
"Things are better now. The fans know me more. I'm very happy we're now in the same way."
