Everton must build their attack around Barry

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Thierno Barry of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Iliman Ndiaye during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 04, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images Everton’s misfiring strikers Thierno Barry and Beto have hindered the club’s chances of securing European qualification at the end of this season. The Toffees’ tally of 44 goals is the lowest of any team currently in the top 10, and is a factor which is no doubt giving manager David Moyes sleepless nights.

However, Barry’s brace against Manchester City on Monday night highlighted why the solution to the problem could be right under the manager’s nose. Barry showcases his potential The young Frenchman has been widely criticised over the past few weeks, but he proved to be a Everton must build their attack around Barry after replacing Beto against title-chasing City. He scored on either side of Jake O’Brien’s goal to make it 3-1 to Everton.

But for a late fightback by City, the Toffees would have collected three points. While the 23-year-old still has plenty to prove, his cameo highlighted why he is a better long-term option than Beto for Everton. Beto has been in reasonable form in recent weeks, but blotted his copybook with a truly dreadful performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Quite why Moyes persevered with Beto until after the hour mark is anyone’s guess, as he would have been justified in replacing him at half-time. Beto has had plenty of time to prove himself at Everton, but his record of 24 goals in 108 appearances simply isn’t good enough. By contrast, Barry’s performance against Man City demonstrated that he has the ability to cause problems for the top teams in the Premier League.