Godwin ObajeDavid Moyes Unleashes “Unpredictable” Weapon at Everton as Barry Begins New Era
Everton’s summer rebuild under David Moyes has taken a sharp turn towards optimism with the arrival of Thierno Barry — a striker many believe could become the club’s next talismanic forward.
The 22-year-old Frenchman joins from Villarreal as the first major signing under the Friedkin Group’s ownership, signalling a new chapter for the Toffees. With comparisons already being drawn to Romelu Lukaku’s transformative spell at Goodison Park, expectations are high — but insiders suggest Barry brings something different to the table entirely.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Barry’s former coach at Beveren, Gunter Vandebroeck, gave a glowing insight into the striker’s defining trait: unpredictability.
“His positive impact on the team and the results was immediate,” Vandebroeck said. “His unpredictability was his greatest asset. He could score at the most unexpected moments. He could score the most beautiful goals, but he also scored the ugly ones. A real goalscorer.”
That unorthodox edge could be exactly what Moyes has lacked up front in recent seasons. Barry’s movement, strength, and flair add a new dimension to an Everton side in desperate need of cutting edge. While midfield reinforcements — including the possible £30m signing of Douglas Luiz — could enhance the team’s creativity, Barry is also capable of crafting moments by himself.
His confidence is clear. In his first club interview this week, Barry stated: “[Goals] are my meal, my food.”
It’s a statement of intent from a player who thrives on finding the net and lives for big moments.
However, despite the excitement, there is a collective understanding within Everton that the young forward is still a work in progress. As with any rising talent, patience will be key.
During Barry’s time at Villarreal, manager Marcelino noted both the potential and the emotional intensity that fuels the striker’s game.
“I think he’s a player with extraordinary abilities,” Marcelino said. “He’s very young — many of the reserve team are older than him. He sometimes gets anxious about scoring; all he can think about is the goal. He needs a little more composure. He gives a lot to the team, he really conditions opponents.”
That psychological edge — his obsession with goals and ability to alter the flow of games — could be the very asset Moyes leans on as Everton look to climb the table. With the right support and time to adjust, Barry could evolve into one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers.
Everton fans have waited long enough for a striker to believe in. In Thierno Barry, they may have finally found one — unpredictable, explosive, and unapologetically hungry.
Godwin Obaje
