‘Something to worry about’ – Troy Deeney responds to what Everton star did vs Brighton
Troy Deeney was impressed by Everton summer signing Thierno Barry as the Toffees beat Brighton 2-0 on Sunday.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium faithful were greeted to a winning start at the Blues’ new ground, with Everton defeating Brighton on 24 August.
David Moyes’ men took the lead through Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal before James Garner’s second-half strike secured all three points for the Merseyside club.
Jack Grealish was the star of the show by notching two assists but Thierno Barry’s performance caught the eye of pundit Deeney.
Troy Deeney praises Thierno Barry’s centre-forward play v Brighton
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider he thought Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was unfairly punished as Everton conceded a penalty against Brighton.
Meanwhile, striker Barry impressed Deeney during his 64-minute appearance against Fabian Hurzeler’s men.
Speaking live on BBC One’s Match of the Day [24 August], the former Watford striker said: “This young man. He had 37 games last year, 11 goals. Played all summer for France (Under-21s).
“Has to get up to tempo and speed with what David Moyes wants. But his touch, his link, he held up the ball so much better (than Beto).
“Obviously he’s going to take a while to get accustomed to it. He just added a different focus with running in behind.
“That then allows for Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye to have so much space. He gives the back four something to worry about.”
Everton will want more from Barry
Football Insider verdict
Deeney is right to outline that Barry’s hold-up play allowed Ndiaye, and in particular, Grealish, to excel in the North West against the Seagulls.
| Thierno Barry stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 4 |
However, the 22-year-old took just two shots against Brighton, with neither effort being directed on target.
Although Barry played well for Moyes’ side on Sunday, the Toffees acquired his services in the hope that he would score goals in the Premier League.
To succeed in the English top flight, the France Under-21 international must be more clinical in the final third than he was against Brighton on 24 August.
The striker successfully notched a decent return of 11 goals for his former club Villarreal last term, and will be eager to get off the mark in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
However, Barry could earn confidence by scoring against League One opponents Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, 27 August.
Meanwhile, former Toffees scout Bryan King has backed Everton to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City in a Goodison News exclusive.