Everton insider shares Thierno Barry 'training ground' reveal
Everton striker Thierno Barry could develop into a top Premier League frontman in the coming years.
That is according to former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Frenchman's underlying data is looking positive at the moment.
Barry scored in his team's 2-2 draw at Hull City last weekend, but also squandered four big chances throughout the 90 minutes.
Wyness believes that the 23-year-old will be as "frustrated" as anyone with his inconsistency in front of goal, but is adamant that he is showing clear signs of improvement.
The former Villarreal man has currently missed more big chances than any other player in the Premier League so far this season.
However, he already has six goals to his name in all competitions, and is already just two strikes shy of his final tally for the whole of last term.
'Training ground' work crucial for Thierno Barry
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that there are clear signs that Barry could become a top striker if he works hard in training.
The Scottish businessman feels that the youngster is getting into the right positions at the moment, which he feels is a sign that his finishing will ultimately come good.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why Everton fans must keep the faith with Barry.
"Look, I'm sure he's as frustrated as the fans are and some of those misses at the weekend were incredible," he said.
"But the data is telling us that if somebody is missing their finishes, that's something that is normally improved on and those stats go up. If somebody is not getting into position to get chances, that is something that doesn't normally go up. They haven't got the basic skills to move into those positions.
"The signs are that with training ground practice, et cetera, his finishing may get better. Now, the thing is, he finished the goal; the second goal we got was a superb finish, and he's frustrating in that sense.
"He'll be popping up on everybody's data list right now as being that striker that's getting into positions. His overall data is good, and it's just going to take some time. It'll start to come, but he's shown that he's got potential, and you know, he's a young kid.
"We've got to keep hoping that he's going to turn the corner."
Everton set sights on Christian Kofane
Football Insider recently revealed that Everton are pushing to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane in 2027.
Barry is currently the only senior frontman at David Moyes' disposal, and the club are working to address that situation in January.
However, sources say that Leverkusen aren't willing to cash in on Kofane in the middle of the campaign, with a deal next summer thought to be more likely.
The 20-year-old has three goals from six games so far this season, and provides a physical presence at the top of the pitch.