Can Thierno Barry Bounce Back from Slow Everton Start?
Thierno Barry, a striker for Everton, has faced a rocky start this season, raising questions about his potential as a goal-scorer. Despite joining the club with high hopes, Barry has not yet found the back of the net in 16 appearances across all competitions, including 9 starts. This situation is exacerbated by the struggles of fellow striker Beto, who is also enduring a difficult spell.
Current Struggles at Everton
Both players have been under scrutiny due to their lack of goals. Beto, who scored eight Premier League goals last season, has only converted four shots on target from 14 appearances. His current goals versus expected goals (xG) ratio is -2.89, one of the worst in the league. This has led to him being benched for five consecutive matches.
With both strikers performing below expectations, there is growing speculation about Everton’s needs in the January transfer window. The club might consider adding another striker to either support Barry or replace him in the starting lineup.
Historical Context of Striker Struggles at Everton
Historically, several strikers at Everton have experienced slow starts before finding success. A notable example is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who initially struggled but later excelled, scoring 29 league goals between 2019 and 2021. However, not all players have been as fortunate. Brett Angell only managed one goal in 20 top-flight appearances during the 1990s, and comparisons are being drawn between his struggles and those faced by Barry.
More recently, Sandro Ramirez, who joined from La Liga in 2017, also failed to make an impact despite a strong prior record. This trend raises concerns about the adaptability of players moving to the Premier League, a sentiment observed with other forwards like Oumar Niasse and Cenk Tosun, who were unable to replicate their foreign success in England.
Potential for Improvement with Time
Barry has shown signs of contributing to the team beyond just scoring, including effective ball hold-up and defensive pressing. However, to secure his position as a starting striker, he must significantly improve his goal-scoring ability. So far this season, Barry has registered only one shot on target from 14 attempts within the goal area, highlighting critical areas that need improvement.
His inability to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities poses a significant concern. Everton’s current conservative playing style contrasts sharply with the more attacking approach he was used to at Villarreal. Upcoming challenging matches against teams like Chelsea and Arsenal may provide fewer opportunities for Barry to demonstrate his potential.
Support from Fans and Future Prospects
Supporters at Everton have continued to back Barry, recognizing the importance of confidence in a striker’s performance. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, many fans believe that he deserves more time to adapt and grow into his role. Still, the club must consider other striker options as they aim to improve their scoring capabilities.
While Barry’s journey continues, Everton’s management faces critical decisions regarding additional striker signings as they approach the January transfer window. The hope is that Barry’s fortunes will change and he will find his scoring touch, potentially following in the footsteps of the club’s historical success stories.
